There’s something special about ending a football practice with a little extra juice - best-on-best, man-on-man, pride on the line. And on Tuesday at the Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, American team head coach Joel Thomas gave the crowd a moment that hit close to home.
To wrap up Day 1 of practices at Hancock Whitney Stadium, Thomas called for a one-on-one pass-rush showdown between two players who know all about Alabama football - because they’ve lived it. Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright and Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton were tapped to close out the session with a head-to-head rep, and it didn’t disappoint.
Wright, a towering 6-foot-5, 340-pound presence from Selma, got the better of Overton, the 6-2, 278-pound pass rusher who spent his formative years in Tuscaloosa and Bessemer before heading to the Atlanta area for high school. It was a fitting way to end the day - two in-state products from rival programs, going toe-to-toe with scouts and coaches watching closely.
Moments like that are what make the Senior Bowl more than just a showcase - it’s a proving ground. And for players like Wright and Overton, it’s also a chance to represent not just their schools, but their roots.
Tuesday’s rep was more than just a drill. It was a collision of pride, history, and opportunity.
Practices continue Wednesday as prospects look to build momentum heading into Saturday’s 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on NFL Network.