Detroit Lions Head Coach Praises Former Utes At Senior Bowl
Jan 22, 2020, 6:55 PM | Updated: Aug 14, 2024, 6:17 am

Defensive end Bradlee Anae #6 of the Utah Utes reacts to a sack on the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 22, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
MOBILE, Ala. – Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia liked what he saw from former Utah football players Bradlee Anae and Francis Bernard at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Patricia complimented Anae and Bernard after plays during day two of the Senior Bowl on Wednesday, January 22.
The Lions head coach pulled the former Utes aside after a couple of plays and praised them for their technique and talents while also offering some advice.
It's @seniorbowl week, and some of Utah's local products are getting some priceless NFL coaching. BTW, when the audio goes out, it's because Coach Patricia REALLY likes @BradleeAnae's moves.
📹: @ESPN pic.twitter.com/N4nrkd9suB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 22, 2020
More guys from @Utah_Football getting some attention from the @Lions coaching staff during @seniorbowl practice today. @FrancisJBernard getting some love on this play from Matt Patricia.
📹: @espn pic.twitter.com/miSdHnOgUl
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 22, 2020
The Senior Bowl is an event featuring college football seniors and early entrants of the NFL Draft.
During the event, players spend time working on their skills with NFL coaches.
Last season, Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan coached at the event.
This season, coaches from the Detriot Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals were named to the event.
Anae and Bernard are looking to be selected during April’s 2020 NFL Draft. The former Utah defensive players recently completed their senior seasons with the Utes.
The two former Utah players helped lead the Utes to an 11-3 record and a Pac-12 South title.
During the 2019 season, Anae led the Utes with 41 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.
As Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia praised former Utah football players Bradlee Anae and Francis Bernard at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, their potential in the NFL is becoming increasingly evident. This recognition of emerging talent is a common narrative in sports, much like the buzz surrounding young football prodigies. For instance, Endrick, a rising star in Brazilian football, is capturing attention as he navigates his promising career path. Just as Anae and Bernard are making strides towards their professional futures, Endrick’s journey highlights the excitement and potential that young athletes bring to their respective sports.
Bernard recorded 85 total tackles, 45 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions during his senior campaign.