As the college football season winds down, the Reese’s Senior Bowl, one of the premier all-star games for draft prospects, is fast approaching. Every year, top players from across the nation are invited to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and executives. This year, the Auburn Tigers will be well-represented in Mobile, Alabama, with six players receiving an invitation to the prestigious event. Leading the charge for Auburn is standout linebacker, **Owen Pappoe**, a player whose versatility and athleticism have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.
### Owen Pappoe: The Defensive Leader
Among the six Auburn Tigers heading to the Senior Bowl, Owen Pappoe stands out as the most high-profile name. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker has been a key player for Auburn’s defense throughout his collegiate career. A former 5-star recruit, Pappoe’s athleticism and football IQ have made him one of the top linebackers in the SEC.
Throughout his career at Auburn, Pappoe has accumulated over 300 tackles, and his ability to cover ground sideline-to-sideline has been one of his defining traits. His leadership in the locker room and on the field was integral to Auburn’s defensive success in recent seasons. He excels in both run support and pass coverage, and his speed and agility allow him to be a disruptive force in multiple facets of the game.
Pappoe’s Senior Bowl invitation gives him a chance to further showcase his skills against some of the top talent in the nation. Given the emphasis on speed, athleticism, and versatility at the linebacker position in today’s NFL, Pappoe’s performance in Mobile could go a long way toward solidifying his standing as one of the top linebackers in the upcoming NFL Draft.
### Other Auburn Tigers to Watch at the Senior Bowl
In addition to Pappoe, five other Auburn players will make the trip to the Senior Bowl, each with their own unique strengths and potential to make an impact at the next level. These players represent the Tigers’ resilience and talent, reflecting the team’s deep pool of draft-worthy prospects.
#### 1. **Jarquez Hunter – Running Back**
Jarquez Hunter is another Auburn standout receiving an invitation to the Senior Bowl. The explosive running back’s ability to make defenders miss and turn short runs into long gains has caught the attention of scouts. Hunter possesses excellent vision and footwork, along with the speed and acceleration to break off big runs in the open field. His combination of balance, strength, and agility gives him a chance to be a valuable asset in an NFL backfield.
At the Senior Bowl, Hunter will be able to show how his skill set translates to the professional game. With a strong showing, he could prove that he has the versatility and playmaking ability to contribute to an NFL offense as both a runner and a receiving threat out of the backfield.
#### 2. **Tank Bigsby – Running Back**
Joining Hunter at the Senior Bowl is Auburn’s former bell cow running back, Tank Bigsby. Bigsby’s bruising running style, combined with his surprising burst for a back of his size (6-foot, 210 pounds), has made him a highly regarded prospect. Bigsby has the ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles, but his speed and acceleration also allow him to break off big runs on the outside.
While Hunter may be seen as the quicker, more elusive back, Bigsby’s power and ability to gain extra yardage after contact give him a different appeal. Scouts will be eager to see how Bigsby performs in pass protection and as a receiving option, as these aspects of his game will determine how he fits into NFL offenses that increasingly prioritize a multifaceted running back.
#### 3. **Caleb Johnson – Offensive Line**
Caleb Johnson, an offensive tackle, is another Tiger player with a bright future. Johnson’s size (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) and physicality make him a dominant force in the trenches. Throughout his career at Auburn, he has excelled at both run blocking and pass protection, and his ability to control defenders at the line of scrimmage will be a major selling point for NFL scouts.
With the Senior Bowl providing a platform for offensive linemen to showcase their technique and footwork in a controlled environment, Johnson has the chance to prove that he can excel against top-tier competition. His performance could raise his stock considerably, especially in a draft class that features a number of highly touted offensive line prospects.
#### 4. **Demetris Robertson – Wide Receiver**
Demetris Robertson has had an up-and-down career, but he’s demonstrated flashes of brilliance that will not go unnoticed by NFL scouts. The wide receiver transferred to Auburn after stints at California and Georgia and has been a consistent contributor in the passing game. Robertson’s quickness, ability to separate, and solid route running make him a dangerous option on the perimeter. Though he didn’t always put up eye-popping numbers, his skill set could fit into an NFL offense that values versatility and speed in the passing game.
At the Senior Bowl, Robertson will have the chance to prove that he can consistently win at the line of scrimmage and get open against top-tier defensive backs. His ability to showcase his speed and separation ability will be key as he looks to secure a spot on an NFL roster.
#### 5. **Colby Wooden – Defensive Line**
Colby Wooden is another Auburn player who earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl after a solid career as a pass-rushing defensive lineman. Wooden’s quickness off the line of scrimmage and relentless pursuit of the quarterback have made him a key player in Auburn’s defense. He has a nice blend of size (6-foot-5, 280 pounds) and explosiveness, which helps him excel both as a pass rusher and as a run defender.
At the Senior Bowl, Wooden will have the opportunity to display his pass-rushing technique against some of the best offensive linemen in the country. If he can demonstrate the ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the backfield, he could significantly increase his draft stock.
### Auburn Tigers at the Senior Bowl: The Road to the NFL
For these six Tigers, the Reese’s Senior Bowl provides a valuable opportunity to make an impression on NFL scouts. The game is one of the final major events before the NFL Draft and gives players a platform to showcase their skills in front of top-tier talent evaluators. While only one or two players might emerge as high draft picks, the Senior Bowl is a chance for each of them to further develop their craft and improve their standing in the eyes of pro teams.
Auburn’s representation in the Senior Bowl highlights the talent that has come through the program in recent years. While the Tigers’ overall team success has fluctuated, the individuals heading to Mobile are proof that Auburn continues to produce top-notch talent for the professional ranks.
Whether they are looking to improve their draft stock or simply prove they belong at the next level, the Auburn players making their way to the Senior Bowl have an opportunity to make a significant impact on their football futures.