Tai Felton was the lone Terp to ultimately suit up in Reese’s Senior Bowl, posting a pair of catches for 35 yards including a 25-yard touchdown, but he wasn’t the only Terp to draw praise.
Dante Trader Jr. opted not to suit up in the game itself after a week of practices, but it was enough to be tabbed the standout at his position after Dane Brugler of New York Times took note of the former Maryland safety.
NYT: “I didn’t hear a lot of buzz from scouts about this safety group, as it was an up-and-down week for the position. Virginia’s Jonas Sanker had a few nice moments, especially on Day 3. Georgia’s Dan Jackson doesn’t know how to play other than fast and physical, and that showed during practices. But Trader might have been the most consistent of the safeties in attendance. Slightly undersized, Trader (5-10 3/4, 196) stayed connected to tight ends in coverage and took coaching well throughout the week. The Maryland staff raves about his work ethic and mindset, and both were evident in Mobile.”
Trader was also noted as a winner on day two of Senior Bowl practices by Broncos beat writer Frankie Abbott, months after being named the second-best free safety among draft-eligible prospects by Phil Steele.
“I want to display my versatility. I want to show off some abilities the scouts don’t know I have,” Trader said during the week. “Every team has their own scheme and you have to fit that scheme. Luckily for me, I’ve played in multiple systems. I want to showcase a little bit of everything, but mainly my versatility and my ability to organize a defense. I want my football IQ to shine through.”
They weren’t the only Terps who suited up this week after Glen Miller, Jordan Philips, Kaden Prather and Tommy Akingbesote lined up in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Thursday. Hours after earning the Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award, Phillips drew the start for Team West with WR Kaden Prather the starting receiver for Team East. Prather, who also met with the Washington Commanders this week, did not record a stat after drawing just one target. Miller posted one tackle in the game while Akingbesote did not record a stat.
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