Rainey, Howard Selected to 2012 Senior Bowl
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 | Football
Two Florida standouts, running back Chris Rainey and defensive tackle Jaye Howard, have been selected to participate in the 2012 Senior Bowl later this month in Mobile, Ala., announced Wednesday.
“Chris and Jaye both enjoyed outstanding seasons and careers for Florida and we're excited about adding them to the South roster,” Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. “Both players bring a lot of talent to the table and it will be fun watching them compete along with the rest of the nation's top seniors here at the Senior Bowl.”
The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on January 28 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised, as well as practices throughout the week, on NFL Network.
Rainey and Howard are the 15th and 16th players in UF history to participate in the Senior Bowl. Their selections mark the third consecutive year Florida has been represented in Mobile. In 2009, Riley Cooper and Tim Tebow took part in the Senior Bowl and in 2010 Ahmad Black, Marcus Gilbert, Chas Henry and Mike Pouncey played in the annual contest.
Jaye Howard is the second defensive player and first defensive lineman to compete in the Senior Bowl for the Gators. Chris Rainey is the third running back to compete in the all-star game for UF.
In addition to his Senior Bowl selection, Rainey was also chosen to the All-SEC First Team as an all-purpose performer. Rainey led the Gators in rushing yards, receptions, all-purpose yards and punt return yards in 2011.
“It feels good. I know a lot of great players have come to this game and I'm glad I'm invited and hope to do the best that I can to compete with the other greats,” Rainey said.
Additionally, the speedy back claimed two blocked punts in 2011, giving him a school and SEC record six career blocked punts. Rainey set career highs in carries, rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards in 2011. Rainey leaves UF ninth all-time with 2,464 rushing yards.
Howard, who garnered three SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in his career, was fourth on the team with 65 tackles and second on the team with a career-high tying five and a half sacks in 2011.
“I want to prove that I'm one of the elite defenders in this class this year and it's a business trip for me,” Howard said of the Senior Bowl.
The Apopka, Fla. native was named an AP All-SEC Honorable Mention performer during the 2011 campaign. Howard, who was a four-year letterwinner, departs UF with 131 total tackles, 25.5 tackles for losses and 11 sacks.
