MOBILE, Ala. - Saginaw Valley State University senior wide receiver Jeff Janis (Tawas City, Mich./Tawas Area HS) has been extended an invitation to play in the 2014 Reese's Senior Bowl, which will be held on Saturday, January 25th at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
Janis capped-of a tremendous career in a Cardinal uniform in 2013 by hauling-in 83 catches for 1,572 yards, 14 touchdowns and a pair of rushing TD's. Janis led the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in every major receiving category aside from yards-per-catch, where he was second with a mark of 18.9. He was named the GLIAC "Offensive Back of the Year" for the second-consecutive campaign and to the Daktronics, Inc. All-Super Region Four First Team.
Janis is only the second SVSU football player to be invited to play in the bowl game. The only other Cardinal to play in the game was defensive end Lamar King, was was a participant in the 1999 Senior Bowl. He will be the fourth player from a GLIAC institution to ever play in the game, joining King, Wayne State University running back Joique Bell (2010) and Grand Valley State University linebacker Brian Mulcahy (1987).
The Reese's Senior Bowl is the nation's most prestigious collegiate all-star game and holds a critical place on the timeline of the NFL Draft. Last year, 94 players were drafted out of the game, including three of the top five selections and 10 first-rounders. About 33% of all NFL rosters are composed of former Senior Bowl alumni, so it is truly a showcase for those prospects aspiring to play professional football.