5 Takeaways from 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl

University of Minnesota defensive end Boye Mafe made his mark on the game, working both ends of the defensive line.

Mafe recorded 2.0 sacks and a separate quarterback pressure on a play that ended with a sack by Oklahoma defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey. Mafe also registered a tackle for loss on a run in the red zone. The native of Golden Valley’s first sack forced a fumble by North Carolina QB Sam Howell.

The former Hopkins High School star’s second sack was a takedown of Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe in the third quarter.

We caught up with Mafe (his former Gophers teammate Daniel Faalele and Minnesota native Matt Waletzko) earlier in the week during the media breakfast.

Faalele, a native of Australia, started at right tackle for the National team, and was handed the ball to spike it after a 20-yard touchdown reception by Baylor running back Abram Smith.

Waletzko, a Cold Spring native who played for Rocori before heading to North Dakota, opened the second half at left tackle for the National team. He made a key block on the first play of the second half, which resulted in a 10-yard reception.

2. Multiple QBs put mobility in Mobile

Liberty quarterback Malik Willis started for the American squad and was the first to show his mobility. Willis scrambled multiple times, eluding defenders to avoid losses and finishing with a game-high 54 rushing yards on four carries. Willis completed two of four passes for 11 yards in limited action.

Howell added 29 rushing yards on five carries and scored on a 2-yard run. He completed six of nine passes for 67 yards before heading to the sidelines.

The National team started Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett. He went 6-for-6 with 89 yards that were capped by the short swing pass that Smith turned into a 20-yard touchdown with the benefit of a busted coverage.

He was replaced by Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, who completed four of six passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Ridder also ran for 14 yards on two rush attempts.