2015 Senior Bowl Grades: Running Backs
By Chase Ruttig
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad fullback Tyler Varga of Yale (30) scores a touchdown against the South squad during the fourth quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North squad defeated the South squad 34-13. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Varga (Yale)
Senior Bowl Stats: 4 rush attempts (31 yards, two touchdowns), 3 receptions (39 passing yards)
Coming out of the Ivy League, Canadian back Tyler Varga was named one of the captains of Team North and used the opportunity to showcase his talents as one of the lesser known prospects in the event that is designed for players like Varga who are out of the spotlight during their senior seasons to prove themselves in front of NFL scouts who usually don’t come out to small conference games.
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Unsurprisingly being invited to the Senior Bowl, Varga was the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and when given the opportunity made the most of the platform to increase his draft profile leading up to the Scouting Combine by scoring two touchdowns in the North’s win.
With the limited quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl relying on the running back passing game, Varga also was given the opportunity to showcase his catching skills in addition to his two touchdown runs by bringing in three receptions for 39 yards which was just one yard short of Ameer Abdullah’s total on one less reception. While Cobb and Abdullah were expected to steal the show, Varga added a third dimension to what was a beat down from the North on the ground thanks to the trio of running backs having big days on Saturday.
Scouts will have to determine if Varga’s big performance was the byproduct of having a stout offensive line that mauled the South defensive front or if the Canadian Ivy Leaguer proved that he can play against the best senior prospects of his draft class. Regardless of how Varga’s performance will be perceived, the two touchdown day will elevate Varga to late round status entering the combine where he will have a chance to cement himself as a player that will be selected during the seven rounds in Chicago. Scoring the most touchdowns of any player at the Senior Bowl, Varga is officially a player to watch based on his Saturday play.
Senior Bowl Grade: A+
Next: Team South: Cameron Artis-Payne