Middle Tennessee free safety Kevin Byard drifted back deep into coverage as the South team was trying to connect on a long pass.
Like the M.L. King High product did a school-record 19 times for the Blue Raiders, Byard tracked the pass and made the interception in front of NFL scouts, coaches and general managers watching Wednesday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Byard, of Lithonia, is one of 10 players with local ties who hope to make an impression in the all-star game, which features some of the nation’s top NFL senior prospects at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
“I was pretty much just doing my job, staying in the deep middle and reading the quarterbacks eyes,” Byard said. “I was just doing the things that I did in college and also in high school. It’s something that I’m naturally good at. I just went up there and made a play.”
Byard was considered a two-star recruit, but developed into a ball-hawking safety at Middle Tennessee. He was named to the all-Conference USA team last season. In addition to the 19 interceptions, he had five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
“I had a great career at Middle Tennessee,” Byard said. “I made a whole lot of plays. Broke a lot of records at my school and also in the conference. Just my ball-hawking skills that I displayed in college, I know will help me out in the league.”
Byard is ranked as the sixth-best strong safety in the draft and projects to go in the fifth round by CBS Sports.com. A good showing at the Senior Bowl could easily elevate his draft status.
He made the rounds to several times, including the Falcons.
“I talked to them after the first night that I got here,” Byard said. “I had a good little interview with the Falcons. I’m hoping that they like me.”
Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, offensive tackle John Theus and linebackers Jordan Jenkins and Jake Ganus, all former Georgia Bulldogs, are set to play in the game.
Mitchell had a good week of practice.
“I (watched) his tape,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “I’m interested to see what he runs at the combine. I think that’s one of the things that’s going to hurt or help him. But I think he’s a sure-handed player that competes. He put up numbers in the SEC. I’m anxious to see what he runs.”
Jenkins also impressed Mayock.
“The guy I like is that Jenkins cat from Georgia,” Mayock said. “Everybody talks about Leonard Floyd, who’s a heck of a player, but man, that Jenkins kid is overlooked because of the position that he had to play for Georgia. I think he’s going to be a better NFL player than a college player. Get him out there in space a little bit and let him show off. I like him.”
Navy running back Chris Swain, who played at Mount de Sales Academy, rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and is a strong blocker.
“I’ve interviewed with the Raiders, Packers, Saints, Falcons, 49ers and a few others,” Swain said.
Other players with local ties include:
Kenyan Drake, Alabama, running back: He played at Hillgrove High. His college career was slowed by the injuries, but he flashed his elite speed with a 95-yard kickoff return in the national-championship win over Clemson.
Sheldon Rankins, Louisville, defensive end: He played at Eastside High. He finished his career 10th all-time on Louisville's sack list with 18. He also had 31.5 tackles for loss.
Vadal Alexander, LSU, tackle: He played at Buford High before going to play in 48 of 49 games in his career at LSU. He made 45 starts. He played guard and tackle over his career. Last season, he started all 11 games at right tackle and led the team in total snaps played with 734 and had a career-high 115.5 knockdown blocks.
Jonathan Jones, Auburn, cornerback: He played at Carrollton High before becoming a four-year starter at cornerback for the Tigers. He played 129 tackles and had seven interceptions over his career.
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