Here’s a look at the nine local players, who will participate in the Senior Bowl college all-star football game and pratices in Mobile, Ala. this week:
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.
Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee, safety: He is from Lithonia and played at Martin Luther King High. He is one of the FCS players hoping to impress the NFL scouts this week.
Chris Swain, Navy, fullback: A graduate of Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, started at fullback in 20 games including the final 12. Joins former Navy standouts Napoleon McCallum (1986, MVP of the Senior Bowl), Eric Kettani (2008) and Joe Cardona (2014) as the only Navy players ever invited to the Senior Bowl. He rushed for 1,023 yards on 211 carries last season.
Sheldon Rankins, Louisville, defensive end: He played at Eastside High in Covington. He finished his career 10th all-time on Louisville's sack list with 18. He also had 31.5 tackles for loss.
Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia, wide receiver: He ended his career ranked third in Georgia history with 174 catches and sixth in receiving yards (2,350). Played at Valdosta High.
Vadal Alexander, LSU, tackle: He played at Buford High before going to play in 48 of 49 games over 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.
John Theus, Georgia, tackle: He started all 13 games for the Bulldogs last season.
Jordan Jenkins, Georgia, linebacker: He played at Harris County High before going on the play for the Bulldogs. He played in 12 games last season and made 10 starts. He was voted the team's defensive most valuable player. He finished with 59 total tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss.
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.
