In a game touted more for the practices leading up to it than the final score, the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. provided three UCLA football seniors with an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a number of NFL scouts and coaches.
The Bruins did not disappoint in the practices throughout the week nor in the game itself. Running back Johnathan Franklin, defensive end Datone Jones and punter Jeff Locke all played for the North side, which lost 21-16 on Saturday, but the three Bruins each had a hand in keeping the game close.
Jones was the subject of much conversation from scouts who were impressed with his performance during the practices. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) tweeted of Jones on Tuesday: “Watching Senior Bowl practice tape … UCLA DE Datone Jones was outstanding. Overpowered Eric Fisher a couple times.” In the game’s second quarter, Jones did not disappoint. He ended the last drive of the half for either team with a first down sack of Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones.
ESPN analyst Todd McShay (@McShay13) tweeted during the game: “UCLA’s Datone Jones showing up in Senior Bowl game like he did all week in practice.”
Franklin, meanwhile, got a chance to show off his return skills to open the third quarter. His only return of the game, on the opening kickoff of the second half, netted 28 yards. Franklin followed with three carries for 36 yards on the drive, including a 20-yard touchdown run. Franklin finished the game with a game-high average of 8.2 yards per carry.
Locke punted seven times with two downed inside the 20. He also made a strong impression during the week of practice leading up to the game, earning the Senior Bowl practice award for top specialist.
The three Bruins each figure to be taken in the 2013 NFL draft which begins Thursday, April 25.
Compiled by Tyler Drohan, Bruin Sports senior staff.