Senior Bowl: Pregame Tidbits and Updates to Follow on Twitter

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer): The day could barely be more beautiful, a far cry from the usual weather that plagues the Sr. Bowl so often. The VIP tents are in greater number than I've ever seen and the tailgaters here make this look like a typical SEC game.

Coming early to the game has given me the chance to experience the whole "Senior Bowl Sensation" and it was well worth the time put into it.

Meeting the players last night before the game and speaking to some briefly this morning made me realize that this is just as good an experience for them.

"It's sort of like a bowl game, but a lot more mental," said Christian Ponder of FSU. "There's so much more to learn, both in plays to run and personnel, but it's still a lot of fun. But with all the scouts here, you know that every practice is important and your every move is being watched by someone."

For the fans staying at or near the Riverview Renaissance, it's heaven on earth. Never before, and possibly nowhere else, do the fans get a chance to meet, talk to and get photos with players like this.

Last night Danny Watkins of Baylor, a big 6'4" offensive lineman, was walking back from the meet the players experience, which was at the convention center across from the hotel, back to his room. It took him a long time to make that trip, however, because the fans kept stopping him for autographs, trading cards and photo ops.

He took it well and in stride however, thoroughly enjoying the notoriety of the evening. In talking to James Carpenter of Alabama, he was the same way.

Greg McElroy and Preston Dial did the first session and Carpenter was alone at the Alabama table for the second session. That, however, did not keep thousands of fans from lining up.

For a big offensive lineman who rarely gets the limelight, Carpenter was clearly enjoying the moment. He must have been thinking that this is what it's like to be Mark Ingram.

With the game about to go, I'll be twittering from the game. You can follow those on Twitter.com by going to LBSPORTSWRITER.