Senior Bowl North Squad has Southern flavor

The Senior Bowl will kick off in two days and the two Senior Bowl Squads have already been practicing with their professional coaching staffs. There are a number of ACC and AAC players on the two squads, but for some reason all the North Carolina guys ended up on the North Squad. I guess that is what happens when the landscape is dominated by Texas, Florida, and other even more southern states.

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The result is that the three representatives from the old North State will be suiting up for the North Squad. I realize that may not sit well with the ‘War ‘Tween the States’ crowd, but they will get over it. Those three guys are Duke’s Laken Tomlinson and East Carolina’s duo of Shane Carden and Justin Hardy.

Tomlinson anchored the Duke offensive line this year from his guard position. He has felt right at home during the senior day practices according to Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Rang commented that Tomlinson’s good size (6’3″ 323 lb) and his agility have shown out in workouts. Rang also mentioned that Tomlinson has been frustrating bull rushers. He has a fourth round grade from Alex Sibo of Last Word on Sports.

Quarterback Carden will see a fair amount of action behind center. Those the quarterback position is changing in the NFL, it will be important for Carden to show that he can operate behind center. I think Carden can make it work, because he is pretty game. If all else fails, he can just throw it to his old pal, Justin Hardy. He is rated as a round 4 or 5 selection. If he does not get drafted, he should do whatever he can to sign with the New Orleans Saints.

Wide receiver Hardy broke the record for career receptions. His small size will hurt his stock (5’10 190) but he has great hands. He should take his example from Wes Welker, who rose through the ranks in an Air Raid offense. Teams are not ignoring his production and his ability to run with some power after the catch. He is currently sitting on a round 2-3 selection.

The Senior Bowl will air at 4:00 PM ET on the NFL Network.