Small school players big at Senior Bowl

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Everyone enjoys an underdog story. Of course the “dog,” is usually undersized or over-matched.

And then there’s wide receiver Brian Quick from Appalachian State. At nearly 6’ 4”, 222 pounds, he’s the biggest target on the North squad, with by far the most fitting last name.

“Growing up, I didn’t really like it too much because my last name was Quick. But it’s brought me a long way here, and I have to live up to my last name,” Quick said.

He’s living up to it, alright. Just ask cornerback Asa Jackson of Cal Poly, who’s been matching up with the FCS brute.

Quick may have him by six inches, but Jackson is holding his own.

“Quick is big; he’s a big dude,” Jackson said. “I don’t know how he got overlooked going to a D-1 school, but he’s a big dude. He deserves to be here too, but I relish the opportunity to challenge myself with any of these receivers out here. They’re all great players, and they’re going to be great players in the NFL.”

Jackson’s not the only corner from a small school who will take the field Saturday. The South team also boasts an FCS defensive back, Ryan Steed out of Furman.

Jackson and Steed are practically twins in size and the way they play the cornerback position.

But that’s not all, FOX10 Sports asked both men what they’d be willing to do to get on the field at the next level, and the answers were strikingly similar.

“Football is my life,” Jackson said. “It’s my passion, so anything that I can do to get on the field- I don’t care if it’s holding the ball on the PAT.”

“If they want me to hold the snap, I’ll hold it,” Steed said. “I’d be a pretty good gunner, I’d get down the field, make some tackles, kick-off team. Wherever they need me to be, I’ll do it. Anything to help a franchise win a Super Bowl, I’m down for it.”