Edge specialist: Alabama defensive end Terrell Lewis (6-5, 258) is an interesting prospect down here at the Senior Bowl this week. He might just be the most talented edge rusher on either team, but he's had a long injury history at Alabama, and has some boxes to check off for teams ahead of April's draft.
On Wednesday, Lewis showed why he can potentially be a first-round pick. He was terrific in one-on-one pass-rush drills, showing off speed, power and an ability to bend off the edge. He sacked quarterback Jalen Hurts in a team period and then forced a fumble by knocking the ball out of quarterback Steven Montez' hands later in a team period. The Lions should be on the lookout for pass rushers this offseason. Lewis is certainly one to watch the rest of the week and in Saturday's game.
Cream of the crop: Oregon's Justin Herbert and Utah State's Jordan Love have been the two best quarterbacks down here through the first two days, in my opinion. Herbert is big and strong, and throws with terrific accuracy. He's a likely first-round pick. Love's been the most consistent of the three North Team quarterbacks.
Rough day for a Wolverine: Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson is getting third-team reps for the North Team, and there's been a good reason for that. He missed a number of open receivers in Wednesday's practice and caught the ire of North Team head coach Matt Patricia after fumbling a couple snaps from center. It hasn't been a good start to the week for Patterson.
Good day for a Wolverine: Another Wolverine stood out Wednesday in the North Team practice, however. I wrote down defensive end Josh Uche's name a couple times in one-on-one pass-rush drills with the offensive linemen. Then he went into a team period later in practice and had good discipline to stay home on a boot by Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon to record a sack. Nice day for Uche.
Two for one: I mentioned North Carolina defensive end Jason Strowbridge in this column Tuesday for his performance in the first North Team practice. Strowbridge was at it again Wednesday, continuing his strong play. He got his hands on two Patterson passes in a team period, finishing another strong day with some good one-on-one reps and two passes defended.
Big-play Jefferson: Florida wide receiver Van Jefferson has quickly become a favorite target for the South Team quarterbacks, especially when they're looking for a big play down the field. Jefferson (6-1, 197) made a number of nice catches down the field Wednesday. He was the winner of most of the 50-50 balls thrown his way.
Big leg: Georgia Southern kicker Tyler Bass put on a show at the end of the North Team practice Wednesday. He's got a big leg, and ended a field goal kicking team period of practice with a 55-yard field goal that would have easily been good from 60-plus yards.
Old pals: Patricia spent a while visiting with mentor and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after the North Team practice Wednesday. The two ended their chat with a quick hug. Belichick spent most of the following South Team practice hanging out with Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
