The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the premier opportunity for collegiate upperclassmen to positively — or negatively, in some cases — impact their NFL Draft stock.
With a week of practices, all while being evaluated by NFL scouts, coaches and general managers, in Mobile, Alabama, the end of the week is punctuated by the actual Senior Bowl, in which NFL coaching staffs lead a game between the prospective NFL draftees.
Pitt will be well represented in Mobile, with quarterback Kenny Pickett, long snapper Cal Adomitis, defensive back Damarri Mathis and offensive lineman Carter Warren all being invited to the Senior Bowl.
While Pitt still has a lot to play for this season, with three games left on the schedule that could include a New Year’s Six Bowl at the end, Pitt’s quartet of seniors will have plenty of football and training left before the 2022 NFL Draft.
Pickett’s inclusion isn’t at all surprising as he’s currently in the midst of one of the best seasons among anyone in college football, regardless of position. He’s thrown for 3,857 yards and 36 touchdowns on 286-of-426 passing attempts. With a completion percentage of 67.1 percent, Pickett’s averaged just over nine yards per completion and only thrown six interceptions this season.
Pickett’s been the heart and soul of Pitt’s ACC Coastal-winning squad this season, but Warren — and the whole offensive line — has been a huge part of Pickett’s success.
Warren has served as the anchor of Pitt’s fourth-rated line, according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s consistently graded out as one of the best left tackles in college football. Pickett has vastly improved his draft stock this season, and it’s been no different for Warren as he’s allowed just two sacks this season.
Adomitis has drawn attention for his charitable efforts this season, helping to raise over $94,000 for UPMC’s Children’s Hospital in exchange for shearing his signature long hair, but he’s also been one of the best long snappers in college football.
The Patrick Mannelly Award named Adomitis as a semifinalist for college football’s best long snapper.
Mathis has been one of the top defensive backs in Pitt’s defense this season, coming back for a preseason season-ending in 2020. With 38 tackles (29 solo), four passes defended and two interceptions (one for a touchdown), he’s been a presence in the run defense while still shadowing opposing wide receivers.
While the foursome’s Pitt careers may be winding down, it may just be the beginning of long careers as professional football players. In the meantime, there’s still some Pitt football to be played — starting with Syracuse on Saturday.
