1) SMU’s Rashee Rice skipped a nap to attract attention on Tuesday.
Rice knows how to open up and that trait was at stake at the end of Tuesday’s practice session.
Team America’s coaches played a series of five one-on-ones – O-linemen versus D-linemen, linebackers versus running backs, receivers versus corners — to conclude the session. There were two victories for defense and two for offense.
This left Rice fighting South Carolina CB Darius Rush for the tiebreaker. Rice won the snap and quickly separated on the trench route, but Shepherd QB Tyson Bagent’s throw went wide. That was technically a win for the defense — and that meant Rice and his teammates owed 15 push-ups.
“It’s okay, we’ll get that tomorrow,” Rice said with a smile, “if they give us another chance.”
Rice was an outstanding Day 1 and appears to be among the more gifted receivers at this year’s event. He also hoped he was among the most prepared.
“I studied all night and all morning,” he said. “I didn’t put the playbook down. I thought I couldn’t take a nap. I had to get these pieces down. I didn’t want to come here and be like the guy who didn’t know what (he was) to do. Everyone out here is competing for jobs and I didn’t want to be caught off guard and look stupid.”
Rice, who measured 6 feet 200 pounds at the Senior Bowl, caught 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 TDs in 12 games last season. Tuesday was his most competitive action in a couple of months as he last played in a game on November 26th.
“I needed to get my speed back a bit,” he said, “and I needed a few repetitions. These corners are fast.”
2) TCU QB Max Duggan’s day of ups and downs ends with a climax of full teamwork.
Speaking Tuesday morning, Duggan reflected on what he called an “eventful” and “special” season with the Horned Frogs, but one that came with several twists and turns.
He initially lost his battle against Chandler Morris for the starting QB job, but won it back when Morris was injured in the opener. Never looking back, Duggan led TCU to the College Football Playoffs and was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. The season then ended with a bang after Georgia defeated the Frogs 62-7 in the title game.
“We’ve had our butts kicked, but there’s a lot to learn from that,” Duggan said. “…(learning) how to deal with what (was) a failure in our eyes, and how, you know, to get up from it.”
Duggan started slow in single work, letting his pass skip over Alabama’s DeMarcco Hellams for an interception in 7-on-7 work.
But it was in full-team reps that Duggan began to shine. He completed all five of his passes in the session, twice dodging the rush to find Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo, who was also having a good day.
It’s been a nice start to the week for Duggan, an unorthodox passerby who has nonetheless notably helped his stock over the past six months. Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy said Duggan worked his way into the top portion of Day 3 of the draft.
3) Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh fears injury.
McIntosh entered Senior Bowl week as one of the more exciting backs in Mobile, but left his first practice early with an initially scary injury.
McIntosh went down and was tended to by coaches after running a route and attempting to cage a loose ball on the Hancock Whitney Stadium lawn. He lay there for several minutes before walking away under his own power.
Fortunately, the injury is not considered serious. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported it was a cramp in his calf. Several players spoke after training about the unexpectedly hot conditions and how coaches frequently reminded them to stay hydrated.
McIntosh passed his first test at the event weigh-in, coming in at 210 pounds (his Georgia weight list) and just under 6 feet. Hopefully he can return to practice this week and demonstrate the skills that allowed him to rush for 829 yards and 504 yards for the national champions last season.
4) Ronnie Bell works his way through the drop to get strong on day one.
In the middle of national team practice, Michigan’s Ronnie Bell, WR, ran to the sidelines, did 15 push-ups, and then ran back onto the field to continue working.
“I can’t have drops out here, man,” Bell said. “I have to be 100 percent. So I went over and did my push ups after that rep but then you know I just have to keep moving for the next game and try to keep doing good exercises.”
Bell did, dusting off Ohio State defense attorney Ronnie Hickman during solo work on an oblique route. He also demonstrated an ability to adapt to off-target throws and catch balls outside his frame. Bell said the latter is something he’s particularly keen to show off this week.
“Without a doubt,” he said, “it has to be in my heart, you know, to be able to take whatever’s thrown at me, so I definitely have to show I can do it when it’s close. I’m not the tallest (5-11, 192), but I have the reach (31 1/8” arms) to make these plays.
5) If you’re a Steelers fan looking for help with QB Kenny Pickett, this could be your lucky off-season. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin was at the forefront offensive line exercises during the national team meeting.
What’s the big deal you ask? Well, a year ago Tomlin seemed to be glued to the quarterbacks. The Steelers drafted Pickett, a 2022 Senior Bowl competitor, in Round 1. The offensive line is paramount for Pittsburgh this offseason. Will they address the position in the first round? We will see.