MADISON, Wis. — For Wisconsin's NFL hopefuls, the path to the professional ranks has entered one of its most visible phases.
A total of five UW seniors are taking part in all-star showcases this month as they seek to stand out among the players vying for teams' interest leading up to April's 2017 NFL Draft.
Last week, running back Dare Ogunbowale and wide receiver Robert Wheelwright put their skills on display in the first round of all-star games. Ogunbowale played in the 93rd East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Florida, while Wheelwright took part in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Carson, California.
Attention now turns to the Senior Bowl, which dates to 1950 and is considered the premier college all-star event. Linebacker Vince Biegel and running back Corey Clement will represent the Badgers this week in Mobile, Alabama, and compete for the North squad in Saturday's game, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. (CT) and airs live on NFL Network.
Ogunbowale carried a team-high eight times for 42 yards in last Saturday's Shrine Game, matching the second-highest rushing total for any player with an effort included a pair of 13-yard runs.
He also recorded two receptions, including a third-and-goal pass from Illinois QB Wes Lunt that went for a loss and led to a 27-yard field goal for the West squad. That opened the scoring in the first quarter and helped the West secure a 10-3 win over the East.
Photo: Wisconsin Badgers
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