The Alabama State football contingent of players participating in several college all-star games nationwide have enjoyed the experience of competing against the nation's best.
Left tackle
Terren Jones and cornerback
Saeed Lee are in Montgomery preparing for the Raycom All-Star Classic, free safety
Kejuan Riley is in Orlando, Fla. at the East-West Shrine Game, and quarterback
Greg Jenkins is in Los Angeles, preparing for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Hornet fans will have a busy weekend channel surfing to keep up with all the action, as the trio of all-star games is set for this Saturday, January 19. The Raycom All-Star Classic is at 2 p.m. CT at Cramton Bowl and televised live on CBS College Sports Network. The East-West Shrine Game is at 3 p.m CT on NFL Network. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN2. (And for good measure, the Hornet women's and men's basketball teams host Southern at 3 and 5 p.m. live at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome and online at bamastatesports.com/showcase and WVAS 90.7 FM.)
Lee (5-11, 160, Miami, Fla.) the former walk-on who became a four-year letterman and two-year starter, is reveling in the opportunity to participating in the game and to show his ability before a bevy of pro scouts.
“It's been a great experience, something that I have really enjoyed,” Lee said. “The competition level is great, something I've never really seen on a consistent basis. It's made me focus more, because I enjoy the challenge. I realize I do belong the more I rep and play at practice. The Raycom people really have a first-class game.”
Riley (6-2, 208, SR, Wetumkpa, Ala.), Alabama State's career leader in interceptions and interception return yards, has work at both safety spots this week in practice.
“It has been a great experience down here with these big-time players,” Riley said. “I just thank God for this opportunity. I started the week a little slow as I started at strong safety and making the adjustment to a new position, but now everything is running smoothly and I feel great. I do not see any difference from the talent I've faced in my career, but I just have to continue to working hard and lay everything on the line.”
Jenkins (6-0, 209, Dade City, Fla.) is making the adjustment to the pro-style offense after playing in a spread offense most of his collegiate career.
The verbiage is a lot different, which leads to different play-calling in the huddle,” Jenkins said of the new system he's learning this week. “Taking snaps from under center more (after playing in the shotgun in college) is also different, but each day I'm more comfortable. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week and continuing to improve.”
