Four Auburn Tigers plus one notable former Tiger participated in the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile on Saturday.
Auburn was represented by defensive backs D.J. James, Nehemiah Pritchett and Jaylin Simpson as well as defensive lineman Marcus Harris. Oregon Ducks quarterback and former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix was also present.
The National team, which included Nix, picked up a 16-7 victory over the American team which included Harris, James, Pritchett and Simpson.
How did these players perform not only on Saturday but this season as a whole?
D.J. James – Cornerback
James was a standout player in Auburn's secondary during his second season with the program. James recorded 38 tackles, two interceptions and nine pass deflections.
James did not record any stats for the American team during the game but showed his skillset during practices.
The New York Giants are just one NFL team that James has caught the attention of. John Schmeelk talked about what he saw from Pritchett in his practice notes on Giants.com.
"Auburn cornerback DJ James had an interception during the team portion of practice, jumping a slant and bringing it back the other way,” he wrote.
Nehemiah Pritchett – Cornerback
Pritchett was also an important part of Auburn's secondary this season. In his fifth and final season with the Tigers, Pritchett recorded 22 tackles, one interception and three pass deflections.
Pritchett broke up two passes during the game but also showed his skillset during practices.
Jaylin Simpson – Cornerback
Simpson was one of Auburn's most impactful players in 2023. During his fifth and final season as a Tiger, Simpson recorded 38 tackles, one fumble recovery, four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown and three pass deflections.
Simpson recorded one tackle during the game but also made his presence known in the practice sessions leading up to the game.
Tyler Schickert talked about what he saw from Pritchett and Simpson in an article from With the First Pick.
"A pair of Auburn defensive backs looked good during the American Team practice on Tuesday. Jaylin Simpson looked decent all around throughout the various drills the secondary players were subjected to and Nehemiah Pritchett made a fantastic pass break-up in one-on-one drills against the wide receivers."
Marcus Harris – Defensive Line
Harris, who spent his first two seasons of college football at Kansas before transferring to Auburn for his final three, was a difference-maker for Auburn's front seven.
Harris recorded 40 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.
Harris made one tackle during the game and it was for a loss of yards.
Josh Edwards from CBS talked about what he saw from Harris.
"The Kansas transfer registered seven sacks this season, which is more than his prior four seasons combined. His reign of terror continued Saturday, as he spent as much time in the American Team's backfield as their own running backs. It can be difficult to manufacture energy in an all-star game setting, but Harris brought enough to share with the class."
Bo Nix – Quarterback
Nix's last season of college football placed him in contention for the Heisman Trophy. He went 364-470 for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns to only three interceptions.
Nix went 4-5 for 21 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions during the game.
Dave Richards gave his thoughts on Nix when discussing the good and bad for the top five players at each position in an article from CBS.
"The good: had spurts where he looked like the best quarterback when pressured, acquitted himself in goal-to-go drills, did a good job keeping his eyes downfield, improved as the week went on and had his best practice on the last day
The bad: Clearly undersized, felt like his footwork was sloppy on the second day of practice, had bouts of inaccuracy all week -- especially on longer throws"
The NFL Draft will begin on April 25.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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