Two Bulldogs Invited To Senior Bowl

By: Under Armour Media Relations | WRBL
Published: January 14, 2010

Mobile, AL. (Jan. 14)---A pair of Georgia Bulldogs will line up next to each other for at least one more time later this month in the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl. Defensive tackles Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins have both accepted invitations to the senior showcase event, officials announced today. Kickoff for the 61st game is set for 3pm (CT) on January 30th in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game and all practices are televised by the NFL Network.

Owens, a defensive co-captain for the Bulldogs this season, started all 13 games in 2009; totaling 32 tackles and 13 quarterback hurries. He earned the team’s David Jacobs Award which goes annually to the player that portrays courage, spirit, character and determination.

Owens is also one of only 11 players in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision to be named to the 2009 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team. For his career, Owens made 27 starts and tallied 102 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.

“The Senior Bowl is where you have to bring your ‘A’ game,” Owens said. “I just want to turn some heads and have the opportunity to prove that I can play at the next level and compete with the best of them.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Some of the best players that played the game have played in the Senior Bowl. It’s a great honor for me and my family and I’m blessed to have this opportunity.”

Atkins was named second team All-SEC this season by both the Associated Press and league coaches. The Pembroke Pines, Florida native saved his best effort of the season for last—earning Defensive Player of the Game honors in the Bulldogs’ 44-20 victory over Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. In that game, Atkins recorded three tackles, one sack and blocked a field goal.

On the year, Atkins posted 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and a team-high 28 quarterback hurries. He played in 50 games throughout his career, making 23 starts and totaling 120 tackles, 11 sacks, and 33 tackles for a loss.

“I’m real excited that I get to play against the best of the best in the senior class,” Atkins said. “I want to show all the scouts how fundamentally sound I am and how well I can get off blocks.”

Tickets for the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket offices (151 Dauphin Street and inside Bel Air Mall), select Regions Bank locations, all area Food For Less locations, online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.