Tulane’s Spears shines during Senior Bowl week

NFL scouts at the Senior bowl this week could not stop talking up Tulane running back Tyjae Spears.

The Ponchatoula product is not a big back at 5-11 and 195 pounds but he can do it all. Spears showed he is not only a good runner who can make defenders miss in the open field but he can catch the ball out of the backfield and can also block a blitzing linebacker to protect the quarterback.

Spears helped himself as much as any prospect in Mobile, earning Senior Bowl “practice player of the week” recognition Now he should be a second day pick and one the hometown Saints should be eyeing.

The biggest prospect is Ohio State offensive lineman Dawand Jones, who checked in at a massive 6-8 and 375 pounds with an 89.5 wingspan.

The most impressive offensive lineman however was offensive guard O’Cyrus Torrence (6-5, 345) from Florida. He showed good technique and footwork. He was by far the best offensive lineman in Mobile.

Tulane linebacker Dorlan Williams (6-2, 225) showed good speed and quickness, though he injured his wrist and did not play in the game. LSU defensive prospect Ali Gaye won his share in the one on one drills going against offensive lineman and also had a sack in the game. Another versatile offensive lineman was North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch who can line up at both offensive tackle and offensive guard.

The wide receiver group was not eye-popping but Michael Wilson, a big target from Stanford, did stand out.

Among the tight ends, Luke Musgrave from Oregon State was solid in the red zone catching touchdown passes. Davis Allen from Clemson is not much of a receiver but stood out as a blocker. Durham Payne from Purdue was a real threat in the red zone.

Other running backs the Saints may look at are Chris Rodriguez, Jr. from Kentucky and Kenny Mcintosh from Georgia.

None of the quarterbacks in Mobile were very impressive although some will get drafted in the mid to late rounds. However, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker attended this week despite being sideline by knee surgery to be interviewed.

LSU defensive back Jay Ward (6-1, 180) had some good moments. His versatility will likely be his NFL calling card.