Ohio State Football: Five Buckeyes prepare for Senior Bowl

Five former Ohio State football players are in Mobile, Alabama, preparing for the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl, which will be played on January 30. These players will have a chance to showcase their talent in hopes of improving their draft stock.

Just two short years ago, a wide receiver from Ohio State was turning the heads of NFL scouts in the 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl. That wide receiver was Washington Football Team’s Terry McLaurin.

Prior to the Senior Bowl, McLaurin was largely unknown by those outside of Ohio, but thanks to phenomenal plays made in practices and a strong outing in the bowl, McLaurin quickly had the attention of professional organizations. “Scary Terry” was drafted in the third round of the 2019 Draft by Washington and has become one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL.

Terry was the lone Buckeye in the 2019 Senior Bowl, but Ohio State will send five players to this year’s game. DE Jonathon Cooper will join LBs Justin Hilliard, Baron Browning, and Tuf Borland in demonstrating their defensive talents, while RB Trey Sermon will try to improve his already skyrocketing draft stock.

Trey Sermon’s draft stock is currently the highest among the five Buckeyes that will play in the bowl. Sermon’s stock went up significantly through the final stretch of the season. He is now the record-holder for the most single-game rushing yards in Ohio State history after putting up 331 yards against Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game. He then followed the historic performance with193 yards against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. ESPN’s Mel Kiper lists Sermon as the third best RB in this year’s draft class.

Baron Browning is also on Mel Kiper’s board and listed as the 10th best LB. Browning recorded 20 total tackles in 2020’s abbreviated season and was sixth in tackles on the star-studded 2019 team. Ohio State LB Coach Al Washington describes Browning as “versatile” and applauded his ability to play in space, inside or outside, rush the passer, and also cover.

Cooper, Hilliard, and Borland are not included in the majority of mock drafts, so January 30 will be a crucial day for them to showcase their talents and abilities in hopes of catching the eyes of NFL scouts. They all will likely be signed as undrafted free agents if their name isn’t called during the NFL Draft.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl will take place on January 30 from Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM ET and will be televised on NFL Network.