MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama linebacker Jake Johnson and safety B.J. Scott were named Thursday to the watch list for the 2013 Senior Bowl, the all-star game played each January in Mobile.
The list includes more than 300 seniors and top NFL draft prospects from 114 schools. It is the first time either Jaguar has appeared on the Senior Bowl watch list.
Johnson Led Jaguars in Tackles
Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound inside linebacker, led South Alabama with 83 tackles last season and ranked second on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss. He reached double figures in tackles in two games.
Phil Steele Publications named Johnson to its second-team All-Sun Belt Conference team.
Scott Returns From Knee Injury
Scott, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound safety from Prichard, Ala., enters his second season at South Alabama after transferring from the University of Alabama.
Scott started the first seven games last season before a knee injury ended his year. Despite missing the final three games, he finished fifth on the team with 48 tackles and led the Jaguars with four passes defended.
He also set a South Alabama record with 180 kickoff return yards against Georgia State at the Georgia Dome.
Following Courtney Smith
Two years ago, wide receiver Courtney Smith became the first South Alabama player selected to play in the Senior Bowl. The Jaguars are entering their fourth season of football.
Game Set for Jan. 26
The 2013 Senior Bowl will be played Saturday, Jan. 26, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, which also serves as South Alabama’s home field. The top 100 seniors will be invited to the game, and players do not need to appear on the watch list to receive an invitation.
