National Team Defense Steals the Show in Mobile, While Tight Ends and Young QBs Shine
If there’s one storyline that’s defined the week in Mobile, it’s the National team defense putting on an absolute clinic. From sideline to sideline, this group has been flying around, making plays, and turning heads - and it starts with Jacob Rodriguez.
The Texas A&M linebacker was arguably the most impressive player on the field all week. His coverage instincts were on full display, closing windows before quarterbacks even knew they were open. Rodriguez looked like a player who belongs in the first-round conversation, and he played like he knew it, too.
Right next to him, Pitt’s Kyle Louis made his presence felt in every drill. Louis had a pick-six during the Backs-on-Backers session, then followed it up with a string of big hits and pass breakups in team periods. He’s one of those players who came into the week with something to prove - and might’ve just made himself a lot of money in the process.
The National team also got another strong showing from TCU safety Bud Clark, who continues to showcase his versatility. In dime packages, Clark and Louis often lined up as hybrid linebackers, giving the defense a fast, instinctive look that offenses struggled to solve. Watching those two work in tandem was a treat for anyone who appreciates high-level defensive football.
And it wasn’t just the headliners making noise. Iowa’s Max Llewellyn flashed some serious pass-rush juice with a nasty spin move that forced an errant throw from quarterback Sawyer Robertson. North Carolina cornerback Thaddeus Dixon jumped a route for an interception off Cole Payton, showing great anticipation and ball skills.
Meanwhile, over on the American team, Oregon State’s Skyler Thomas made sure his name stayed in the conversation. For the second straight day, he picked off a Taylen Green deep ball - this one coming on a vertical shot that never had a chance. Thomas has been a consistent playmaker throughout the week.
Tight Ends Making Their Mark
While the defenses have dominated headlines, the tight end group quietly put together one of the most consistent position showings of the week.
Houston’s Tanner Koziol capped off the National team’s final practice with a highlight-reel touchdown - a spinning grab in the corner of the end zone that showcased his body control and hands. Stanford’s Sam Roush, known more for his blocking, has also emerged as a legitimate receiving threat. He’s looked smooth in routes and dependable at the catch point.
On the American side, Alabama’s Josh Cuevas and Syracuse’s Dan Villari both found the end zone during 11-on-11 periods. This tight end class may not have the top-end hype just yet, but there’s depth and versatility here - and Mobile gave them the stage to prove it.
Garrett Nussmeier Delivers in Two-Minute Drill
For LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, this week was about regaining momentum after a tough college season. And on Thursday, he delivered his best performance yet.
Running a two-minute drill with guidance from Steelers offensive coordinator candidate Scott Tolzien, Nussmeier looked poised, decisive, and accurate. The drive was clean, efficient, and capped off a strong day of work. He’s doing everything he can to get back on teams’ radar - and this was the kind of performance that gets attention.
Speed, Arm Strength, and Developmental Upside
There’s always a handful of players who come into this week as intriguing tools-based prospects - and Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green fits that mold. Green unleashed the longest throw of the week, a 61.5-yard bomb to Malachi Fields that showed off his arm strength.
He’s also expected to run in the low 4.5s at the combine, making him one of the more athletic quarterbacks in this class. He’s raw, but the upside is real.
Speaking of speed, running back Mike Washington Jr. clocked the fastest top-end speed among backs this week at 21.02 MPH. He’s been as advertised - a versatile, explosive runner who finishes runs with authority.
Standouts, Setbacks, and Stories to Watch
Tyren Montgomery had a quieter day after a strong start to the week, but his story remains one of the most compelling in Mobile. A former walk-on basketball player at LSU whose football career started just two years ago, Montgomery has emerged as one of the better route runners in this group. He’s made some tough contested catches and looks like a player with real potential if given time to develop.
Cyrus Allen continues to impress with his ability to separate and make plays downfield. He hauled in a touchdown during team drills that highlighted his body control and hands. He’s been one of the more consistent receivers throughout the week.
On the flip side, it’s been a tough stretch for Diego Pavia. The quarterback has now fumbled a snap in three straight practices - twice under center and once in the shotgun. Ball security has been an issue, and it’s something teams will no doubt be watching closely.
Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher may not have gotten the same spotlight as Rodriguez or Louis, but he was constantly around the ball. Whether it was stuffing the run, breaking up a pass, or making a key stop short of the sticks, Boettcher consistently showed up in the right place at the right time.
Injury Notes
Penn State running back Nick Singleton left practice early with an apparent injury and was seen limping off with a trainer. There’s no official update yet, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, also from Penn State, went down during team drills and required attention from trainers. The session briefly shifted to the other side of the field, but Dennis-Sutton later returned to practice - a positive sign after a scary moment.
Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad and Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun were both escorted off the field by trainers late in practice. Both were carrying their helmets and did not return. Their statuses remain unclear, but the hope is that these are precautionary exits rather than serious setbacks.
Final Takeaway
The National team defense has been the tone-setter all week, and several players - Rodriguez, Louis, Clark - have made serious moves up draft boards. But this week hasn’t just been about defense.
Tight ends have shown out, quarterbacks like Nussmeier and Green have flashed, and a handful of under-the-radar names are starting to rise. With the game still to come, the week in Mobile has already delivered plenty of intrigue - and a few players who might just be hearing their names called earlier than expected come April.