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How Amani Oruwariye, Trace McSorley Performed At Reese’s Senior Bowl Practices

Practices for the Reese’s Senior Bowl concluded Thursday, giving Trace McSorley and Amani Oruwariye a chance to meet with and perform in front of many NFL scouts all week ahead of Saturday’s game.

Most scouts leave before Saturday, as the week of practice is typically much more indicitive of a player’s ability given the lack of intensity in the game. Here is how both of Penn State’s representatives performed throughout the week with draft stock on the line:

Trace McSorley

Events like these are always hard for dual-threat quarterbacks like McSorley, as his most noticeable on-field quality has typically been his ability to run. The week of practice and constant one-on-one drills forces every quarterback to serve the role of a pocket-passer due to non-contact on quarterbacks and minimal 11-on-11 work, which didn’t necessarily work in McSorley’s favor.

Although he was the smallest quarterback there and struggled at times, he delivered the fastest pass of Thursday’s long session and was one of the fastest players — recording the fastest peak run speed at the North teams’ final practice.

His touch was a bit off during the one-on-one portion of Thursday’s televised practice, throwing an interception and sailing a few balls. Despite struggling at times, he also delivered a few dimes, including this one to former *gulp* Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Overall, McSorley’s week probably didn’t help or hurt his draft stock. Saturday’s game will be a stronger representation for his play given his ability to move outside the pocket. There will be many more chances to improve his draft stock, including his Penn State pro day, which will certainly be tailored to his strengths.

Amani Oruwariye

Oruwariye had a strong week, playing consistently with physical and smart coverage. Despite a severe knee injury scare on Thursday after which he had to be helped off the field, he returned almost immediately and had his best day of the week. Here’s a video of a strong rep from Thursday’s session:

And another rep from earlier in the week:

Oruwariye was one of the top defensive backs coming into the event and the consensus among most draft analysts was he did nothing to hurt that standing. As of now, he looks like a strong second-round bet, but the fate of cornerbacks is often decided by their combine performances. The former All-Big Ten performer will need a strong showing in Indianapolis to solidify or boost his stock.


You can watch the pair of former Nittany Lions play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 26 on the NFL Network.

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About the Author

Brian Bachman

Brian Bachman is a freshman in the school of communications and a contributor at Onward State. He is from northern Virginia but fell in love with Penn State a few years ago and knew after his first visit he wanted to come here. If you are a fan of the SUPER BOWL 52 CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (!!!) or sports in general, follow him on twitter @brianbachman_. Email is [email protected].

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