by Daniel S. Archuleta
Daily Lobo
Seven former Lobos have been selected to play in various All-Star games across the nation leading up to the NFL Draft on April 29 and 30.
This Saturday, former Lobos' wide receiver Hank Baskett and center Ryan Cook will suit up for the South squad in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
This will be the first time the Lobos have sent two players to the Senior Bowl.
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The Senior Bowl selects only the top senior NFL prospects for the game and has been labeled by draft pundits as the premier predraft event.
The teams are coached by NFL coaching staffs. The South will be headed by the San Francisco 49ers staff and the North by the Tennessee Titans staff.
Baskett said he is honored to get the opportunity to suit up for such a prestigious game.
"It's a great feeling to be playing in this game," he said. "Only a few guys get to come down here and experience this game."
A former high school quarterback, Baskett said he made the right choice to switch to wide receiver in college - especially now, as he's scrutinized by NFL coaches and scouts.
"I've always loved playing quarterback," he said. "I got to play a little when I was in high school, but I think this is what I should have been doing all along."
Cook, a former walk-on for the Lobos who went on to start 44 straight games at center, said he is thrilled to be playing with the nation's elite college seniors.
"It's a great opportunity to be playing with the best of the best in the United States," he said.
The Senior Bowl is not just another All-Star game. It is more of an NFL training ground of sorts. According to the Senior Bowl Web site, more than 700 NFL coaches and scouts will be on hand, evaluating each player's every move.
Cook said he understands the importance of playing well in the Senior Bowl. He said it's different than suiting up for the Lobos, because in Mobile he's looking out for himself rather than the team.
"You put a lot more emphasis on certain things you can control, such as individual things, such as one-on-ones and stuff of that nature that are a direct reflection of you," Cook said.
Cook played center during his tenure at UNM, but at the Senior Bowl, and maybe in the NFL, he will see some time at tackle.
"It's new for me, but it's something I'm going to have to stick with and learn and develop the nuances of the game," he said.
Baskett said he is hoping this game will help stamp his ticket to the NFL.
"It definitely has a big impact on my future," he said. "It's just awesome to know that I'll be in the NFL one day."
The Lobos also sent former players Mike Mohoric, Terrence Pennington and Marcus Parker to the Magnolia Grid-Iron Classic on Christmas Eve in Jackson, Miss. Mohoric had two solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Parker had one tackle and managed to break up two passes.
Former Lobo running back DonTrell Moore helped lead the West team over the East team 35-31. Moore had 16 yards on five carries and scored a touchdown.
Of the seven, Baskett, Cook, Moore and Pennington have been invited to the NFL Combine which takes place Feb. 24-27 in Indianapolis, Ind., in which they will participate in a variety of drills in front of NFL coaches and scouts.
