By: Bryant Kwilecki | Sports Editor |
February 4, 2023
MOBILE, Ala.- The Reese’s Senior Bowl has arrived again here in Mobile where some of the best college football seniors from around the country are invited to come to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives.
The Jaguars had two players representing in this year’s Senior Bowl on the American team. Though the American team fell short to the National team with a final score of 27-10, two South seniors made Mobile proud with their swift athleticism during the game.
Wide receiver Jalen Wayne, nephew of former NFL wide receiver Reggie Wayne, led the American team in receiving yards with eight receptions for 59 yards.
“It’s very humbling. I’m grateful to be here, and not many guys get to do this so I’m just taking it in and trying to take advantage of it,” he said about getting this opportunity.
Wayne is from Mobile where he originally attended Faith Academy but later transferred to Spanish Fort High School. He came to South and spent 5 years with the Jags, racking up 1,978 yards, second all-time behind Jalen Tolbert. Wayne finished the season with 817 receiving yards and broke the school record for single-season receiving touchdowns with a total of nine. Wayne continuously showed out in practice this past week. The highlight was catching a 35-yard touchdown pass in Wednesday’s practice.
Cornerback Darrell Luter Jr., fortunately, saw a lot of playing time during the game. For the American team, Luter finished with four tackles and a pass breakup.
During his athletic career at South Alabama, Luter was part of the Jaguars’ top 25 defense and had 42 total tackles and an interception this season. Originally from Hattiesburg, Miss. where he attended Oak Grove High School, he later went to Pearl River Community College before ending up at South Alabama and quickly became one of the best corners in the country. He was selected to first-team All-Sun Belt as a junior. Just like Wayne, Luter also drew some attention at Senior Bowl practice with some pass breakups.
“I’m just making my city proud, South Alabama proud, where I came from, just letting everyone know that the stuff I did at South translated onto the field for the Senior Bowl,” said Luter when asked what it’s like getting to represent his hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss., and South Alabama in the Senior Bowl.
Wayne and Luter brought their city pride tonight on their home field. They will also get the opportunity to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis from Feb. 27 to March 6. The Vanguard is eager to continue watching these skilled young men’s careers as they continue to grow!
Jag Media 