news Recap: 2021 Senior Bowl highlights & observations

* South Carolina slot receiver Shi Smith (5-10, 186) caught a deep in-cut and had an impressive run after the catch on the American team's first drive of the third quarter. Smith had a clean sliding catch over the middle later in the quarter. Clemson slot receiver Amari Rodgers finished the drive catching a slant and taking the contact to score a touchdown. Rodgers caught a two-point conversion and absorbed a big hit in the end zone on the team's next drive. 

* Versatile LSU linebacker Jabril Cox (6-2, 233) showed the ability to cover throughout the game and was one of the better coverage linebackers during the week. 

* Bowling Green's Quintin Morris had a few catches over the middle, including one where he hurdled a defender for a big gain in the fourth quarter. 

* Tennessee wide receiver Josh Palmer (6-1, 210) caught a touchdown pass on a slant. He showed the ability to leverage his downfield speed into separation all week in practice. 

* After a consistent week of practice putting pressure on the quarterback, Miami defensive end Quincy Roche (6-2, 243) was in the backfield often rushing the passer during the game.

* Oklahoma safety Tre Norwood came down from his deep safety position to put his helmet on the football, forcing an incomplete pass after Shi Smith came down from a leaping grab with the ball in his hands. 

* Ohio State edge rusher Jonathan Cooper (6-2, 254) tracked down athletic quarterback Jamie Newman for a sack to start the fourth quarter. He was active all week. Cooper also combined with Notre Dame defensive lineman Ade Ogundeji (6-4, 256) for a sack of Newman. On the next play, Texas defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham sacked Newman. 

* Pittsburgh safety Damar Hamlin caught an interception, but the credit went to Washington cornerback Keith Taylor (6-2, 191), who blanked Houston speedster Maquez Stevenson on the perimeter and deflected the pass up in the air. Taylor played good coverage on a go-route in the end-zone earlier in the game, knocking it away from the wide receiver. 

* Ole Miss tight end Kenny Yeboah (6-3, 247) put his raw tools to good use and made a fantastic jumping catch at the goal line for a touchdown.  

* South Dakota State slot receiver Cade Johnson made an excellent solo tackle on Marquez Stevenson on a punt return. 

* Illinois State safety Christian Uphoff made a great play at the line of scrimmage, shooting the gap and forcing a stop on a 4th-and-1 interior run play. 

* Florida wide receiver Trevon Grimes caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter, making a sliding catch on a ball thrown slightly behind him. He also had a catch on a back-shoulder throw in the first half.