Jeff Janis, Gerren DuHart

Jeff Janis has posted monster numbers at Saginaw Valley State the past two seasons and has the attention of NFL scouts and decision-makers

(AP Photo)

MOBILE, Ala. -- Saginaw Valley State wide receiver Jeff Janis describes his hometown of Tawas, Mich. as a tourist destination in the summer and barren in the winter.

The small town, located on Lake Huron just north of the thumb, might as well shut down this weekend as approximately 50 residents will take a trip down to Mobile, Ala. to watch Janis play in the 2014 Senior Bowl.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver is just one of a handful of non-Division I players invited to participate in college football's premier all-star game. But it's no secret why Janis was selected.

Over the past two seasons, he's caught a staggering 189 passes for 3,207 yards and 31 touchdowns. Leading up the NFL draft, the Senior Bowl offers a unique opportunity for Janis to show scouts that his talent and production translates against NFL-bound defensive backs from BCS conferences.

Through the first three days of practice, Janis believes he's holding up well against the increased level of competition.

"These are some of the best players in country," he said. "Obviously, coming from D-II, I don't see that all the time. I've gone against some good corners in my career, but it hasn't been as consistent. It's just competition, just showing coaches you can compete no matter what."

In Saturday's game, Janis will also return kicks, something he did sparingly with the Cardinals. He views special teams as an area he can make an impression on potential employers.

Janis calls his top-end speed his strength. He's been electronically timed under 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash on three occasions and expects to do it again at the NFL combine next month.

He's currently projected as a mid-round selection, but running the 40 in the 4.3s will garner significant attention, especially at his size. Last season, five receivers cracked 4.4 seconds, but none were taller than 6-feet.

As for areas of improvement, because of the increased level of competition, Janis is adjusting to the smaller windows of space he has to make a reception. That means he's focusing on refining his technique in a number of areas, from his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, to relying more on his hands to make grabs.

"Working on my explosiveness off the line and getting past DBs, that's huge," he said. "Usually, if I can beat them in the first couple steps, it's good for me. That's something I'm going to keep working on."

Whatever Janis is doing, it's working. His coach at the Senior Bowl, Atlanta Falcons' Mike Smith, told reporters after Wednesday's practice the receiver has caught the attention of his staff.

But it's not just the coaches Janis has been directly working with this week. He said he's

had conversations with almost every NFL team in Mobile, except two, including his hometown Detroit Lions.

"No, I haven't talked to the Lions, yet," Janis said with a laugh. "I haven't even seen them."

It shouldn't come as too big of a surprise Detroit hasn't made contact with Janis at this stage.

As a local prospect, the Lions can work him out at the team's practice facility leading up to the draft and it won't count against the allotment of 30 official visits.

Janis didn't hide his excitement about potentially playing for the Lions, his favorite team growing up. Not only would it be convenient for his family and friends to attend games, he'd love the opportunity to play across from Calvin Johnson.

"It would be awesome," Janis said. "I mean, with all the attention he gets, maybe I'd get some love on the other side."

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