MOBILE | It wasn't a comfortable feeling Tuesday morning as Jalston Fowler strode across the stage in just his underwear.
It's normal protocol for athletes participating in the Senior Bowl to strip down for the official weigh-in, hundreds of scouts, executives and media members staring.
Jalston Fowler got through it, measuring in at 5-foot-11, 264 pounds, by not thinking about everyone in the audience looking at only him.
"It was really weird, man," Fowler said. "You try not to look into the crowd because you feel like you're the only person there with your underwear on."
The weight was both a blessing and a curse for Fowler, who was thankful he wasn't in the 270-pound range.
"I'm trying to get it down," he said. "I'd like to be around 245."
The Mobile native is making the most of his audition in front of all 32 NFL teams, showing the ability to be a true jumbo running back, a crushing lead blocker at fullback and a threat to catch the ball with soft hands.
He's drawn comparisons to former Pittsburgh Steelers' big back Jerome Bettis (5-11, 255 pounds) and eight-year NFL veteran Natrone Means.
Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage said Fowler's versatility will likely see him come off NFL draft boards sooner rather than later.
"Jalston's a general manager's dream because he saves you a roster spot," Savage said. "I think he could go as high as the third round, I really do, which is a little bit unusual. Most of these top fullbacks go somewhere in that fourth round neighborhood, but I think he's going to be that valuable."
Savage said Fowler's value comes in the unseen, not in the statistics. Fowler carried the ball just 12 times for 69 yards during his senior season, but his ability to line up anywhere on the field helped draw favorable match-ups for his teammates.
"He can play fullback, running back, H-back, wing-back, tight end," Savage said. "You can detach him as a receiver. He's got capable hands out there.
"You think about having him on your roster as a fullback, but then you can give him the ball in short yardage and goal line situations without losing a spot on your roster," Savage said. "That's a valuable asset."
Fowler said he's met with more than 10 teams this week, and said the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans are showing a lot of interest.
"It's a big job interview," Fowler said.
Until the draft he'll train at EXOS in Pensacola, Fla., to improve his weight and work on his speed and agility.
But this week he'll savor, a dream come true of sorts.
"As a little kid I used to run around the parking lot tailgating and just hanging out with family and friends. I've been around this game all my life," Fowler said. "I never thought I would play in it, but once Phil invited me you should've seen the look on my face. I was smiling from ear to ear.
"I'm calling everyone I know to get extra tickets."
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1728137#sthash.nPUt51Vm.dpuf
It's normal protocol for athletes participating in the Senior Bowl to strip down for the official weigh-in, hundreds of scouts, executives and media members staring.
Jalston Fowler got through it, measuring in at 5-foot-11, 264 pounds, by not thinking about everyone in the audience looking at only him.
"It was really weird, man," Fowler said. "You try not to look into the crowd because you feel like you're the only person there with your underwear on."
The weight was both a blessing and a curse for Fowler, who was thankful he wasn't in the 270-pound range.
"I'm trying to get it down," he said. "I'd like to be around 245."
The Mobile native is making the most of his audition in front of all 32 NFL teams, showing the ability to be a true jumbo running back, a crushing lead blocker at fullback and a threat to catch the ball with soft hands.
He's drawn comparisons to former Pittsburgh Steelers' big back Jerome Bettis (5-11, 255 pounds) and eight-year NFL veteran Natrone Means.
Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage said Fowler's versatility will likely see him come off NFL draft boards sooner rather than later.
"Jalston's a general manager's dream because he saves you a roster spot," Savage said. "I think he could go as high as the third round, I really do, which is a little bit unusual. Most of these top fullbacks go somewhere in that fourth round neighborhood, but I think he's going to be that valuable."
Savage said Fowler's value comes in the unseen, not in the statistics. Fowler carried the ball just 12 times for 69 yards during his senior season, but his ability to line up anywhere on the field helped draw favorable match-ups for his teammates.
"He can play fullback, running back, H-back, wing-back, tight end," Savage said. "You can detach him as a receiver. He's got capable hands out there.
"You think about having him on your roster as a fullback, but then you can give him the ball in short yardage and goal line situations without losing a spot on your roster," Savage said. "That's a valuable asset."
Fowler said he's met with more than 10 teams this week, and said the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans are showing a lot of interest.
"It's a big job interview," Fowler said.
Until the draft he'll train at EXOS in Pensacola, Fla., to improve his weight and work on his speed and agility.
But this week he'll savor, a dream come true of sorts.
"As a little kid I used to run around the parking lot tailgating and just hanging out with family and friends. I've been around this game all my life," Fowler said. "I never thought I would play in it, but once Phil invited me you should've seen the look on my face. I was smiling from ear to ear.
"I'm calling everyone I know to get extra tickets."
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1728137#sthash.nPUt51Vm.dpuf
