It was very fitting to see him score in his final two games.
The Southeastern Conference is an elite group and last week’s Senior Bowl showed nothing different. Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake displayed his hands, footwork and toughness in front of NFL scouts and media personnel.
RB Kenyan "Roadrunner" Drake ready to show out at #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/WVhxc8DDwM
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) January 30, 2016
After a solid run through in warm-ups, Drake would account for 67 all-purpose yards (24 rushing, 23 receiving, 20 kick return) on 10 touches. He was the lone back to not be dropped for a loss of yards, maneuvering well between the tackles.
Quarterback Jacob Coker found him on two passes that were in excess of 10 yards. His toughness and quickness both came into play on Team South’s final touchdown, a one-yard run with 6:28 remaining in the fourth quarter.
South went on defeat North 27-16.
Getting to the edge is a strong aspect of Drake’s game. He eluded defenders on both receptions, allowing his vision to set up cutbacks to the outside. Fans knocked each other over upon the game’s finish to get a picture, an autograph and a hug from one of Alabama’s most colorful players.
RB Kenyan Drake signing autographs after #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/1xjd6MHN2F
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) January 31, 2016
More events concerning Drake’s NFL Draft stock are on the horizon, including the NFL Combine and Alabama’s pro day.
He drew some attention Saturday, but is still viewed as a fourth-to-sixth round draft value. Adversity has been the friction to shape him in the last two seasons. A few more strong outings could validate Drake moving up the draft chart.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
