Quartet of Former Gators Named to Pro Bowl
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 | Football
Janoris Jenkins, Reggie Nelson, Maurkice Pouncey and Jordan Reed were selected to the roster pool for the 2017 Pro Bowl.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The NFL announced the roster pool for the 2017 Pro Bowl on Tuesday and former Gator football players Reggie Nelson, Maurkice Pouncey and Jordan Reed were selected. In addition, Janoris Jenkins, who transferred from Florida (2008-10) to North Alabama (2011), garnered his first-career Pro Bowl invite.
The Gators have had a former player selected to the Pro Bowl each year since 2009. Overall, Florida has had 22 players make 65 appearances in the annual all-star game. The four selections this year represent the second highest total in the nation to represent any one college in this year's Pro Bowl according to College Football 24/7 writer Chase Goodbread . To see the full list and where each college ranks click HERE.
Nelson (pictured above) picked up his selection is the second of his 10-year career and second consecutive honor. After joining the Raiders this offseason as a free agent, Nelson has started all 14 games, totaling 77 tackles (51 solo), four interceptions, 12 passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. He is currently tied for first in the NFL among safeties with six overall takeaways.
Pouncey (pictured above) has been selected for the fifth time and has helped anchor an offensive line that has led the way for the AFC's second-leading rusher, Le'Veon Bell. In addition, the line has kept veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger clean, allowing just 17 sacks which is the second-fewest in the NFL this season.
Reed's selection is the first of his career and the first by a Redskins tight end since Chris Cooley in 2008. Reed (pictured above) joins Cooley (2007-08), Stephen Alexander (2000), Jean Fugett (1977) and Jerry Smith (1967 and 1969) as the only Redskins tight ends to earn Pro Bowl honors since the game's inception in 1950.
In Week 4 this season, Reed recorded his 200th career reception in his 38th career game, becoming the fastest tight end to reach 200 career receptions in NFL history, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow. Overall in 2016, Reed has recorded 61 receptions for 646 yards with five touchdowns despite being limited to 11 games. Reed leads all NFL tight ends in receptions per game in 2016 (5.5).
Jenkins (pictured above) has 48 tackles (43 solo), three interceptions, and has recorded a team-high tying 17 passes defended.
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