Senior Bowl QBs vying to dispel NFL doubts

The Senior Bowl quarterbacks all have something to prove.

The annual Senior Bowl fires up at 7 PM ET Saturday on the NFL Network. As always, the game itself is the highlight of a week-long display of some of the best seniors in the country. What we've seen so far is that some of the guys expected to shine have struggled a bit, while a few unexpected players have jumped to the forefront with some impressive efforts.

Graham Harrell and Pat White want to show they can thrive in a prostyle offense like they did in college ball. Nathan Brown and Rhett Bomar aim to convince NFL teams they're not just small-school stars.

John Parker Wilson and Cullen Harper also hope to use Saturday's showcase for top senior NFL prospects as a launching pad for pro careers, one coming off a 12-win season and the other off a disappointing year.

Harrell finished his Texas Tech career with an NCAA-record 134 touchdown passes, 15,793 passing yards — second on the all-time list — and some questions he is eager to answer.

"More than anything, I think this is an opportunity to break some of the stereotypes that come with being a quarterback at Texas Tech,A lot of people act like it's just the system. Obviously the system helps you put up great numbers, but there's a little more to it than just the system at Texas Tech." he said.

Among the top prospects participating are Southern Cal linebacker Rey Maualuga, Mississippi left tackle Michael Oher, Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji, Virginia left tackle Eugene Monroe and Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

So here's a quick look at a few guys to keep an eye on during tonight's North-South contest.

- Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech: This is an important day for Harrell, since he's been outplayed all week long by Sam Houston State's sleeper prospect Rhett Bomar. Harrell's already been considered a bit of a reach as an NFL quarterback, a middle to late round guy and he's done nothing to ease concerns about his arm strength.

- Mitch King, DL, Iowa: Everyone's been blown away this week by defensive tackle B.J. Raji from Boston College, who may have thrust himself into the draft's top-10. But King's an interesting prospect that continues to impress scouts. He's 6'2" and 275 -- not exactly Shaun Rogers material for a defensive tackle, but he made a living in the offensive backfield all week during drills, and could really take a step forward tonight.

-Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue: Sheets only got the official invite to Mobile this week because Michigan State's Javon Ringer bailed with a knee injury -- knocking his own stock down further. The Boilermakers back has taken full advantage, though. Sheets is probably not an every-down back in the NFL, but with his pass-catching ability and elusiveness, he could be a very good third-down back for someone.

- Domonique Johnson,CB, Jackson State: His first name is one letter off from last year's unexpected secondary star -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who blew up in this game and is now in the Super Bowl with the Cardinals -- but he's got similar upside for NFL scouts. Johnson has the frame and athleticism that NFL teams crave in the defensive backfield, and could jump into the second or third round if he performs well.

- Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly: Speaking about guys with prototypical size,Bardern has just that. The relatively-unknown receiver stands 6-foot-6 and 228 pounds, and can simply overwhelm defensive backs. Barden may not be able to jump into the first round, but he could be a stellar prospect for the next level.

Stick with American Football Fans all day for ongoing Senior Bowl coverage.

Jason Taylor inducted in Senior Bowl

University of Akron great player,Jason Taylor, as well as Alabama’s Shaun Alexander, will be inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Jan. 23 during a ceremony sponsored by Regions Bank and Mobile Gas at the RSA Towers.

The class of 2009 will bring the total number of Senior Bowl Hall of Famers to 94. It is a group that includes football Hall of Famers such as Joe Greene, Walter Payton, Paul Brown and Dan Marino to name a few. For the complete list of Senior Bowl Hall of Fame members.

"With the addition of Shaun and Jason, the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame further exemplifies the elite talent that comes to Mobile each January,We are excited that these two outstanding football players are returning to the place where their professional careers essentially began." Said Senior Bowl President and CEO ,Steve Hale.

A 1997 Senior Bowler from The University of Akron, Taylor arrived in Mobile 12 years ago as a two-time first-team All-MAC player for the Zips. He was a third round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 1997 NFL draft and went on to spend 11 seasons there, earning six trips to the Pro Bowl and three All-Pro nominations.

Meanwhile, Shaun Alexander arrived in Mobile for the Senior Bowl after a spectacular career at the University of Alabama. Alexander is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and in 2005 was named NFL MVP. In nine NFL seasons, Alexander has 9,453 rushing yards and 100 rushing touchdowns.