Jeff Hafley’s former player on the new Dolphins coach and Senior Bowl standouts
A lot of people have downplayed Jeff Hafley’s lack of experience as a head coach.
Sure, Hafley’s stint at Boston College from 2020-23 shouldn’t be compared to that of the NFL level, yet the 46-year-old has been the guy. That, more than anything, has merit. Just ask BC’s Jude Bowry.
“He’s a great coach,” Bowry said, praising Hafley’s ability as a teacher. “Coming out of high school, he’s really teaching me football and teaching me Xs and Os. He’s really good with situational stuff.”
What exactly will Hafley bring to the Dolphins?
“Great energy,” Bowry said. “A lot of intensity. Great defensive mind.”
Did Zion Young talk with the Dolphins?
Few players had a better outing in Mobile than Zion Young.
The Missouri edge rusher consistently won his 1-on-1 reps and nearly spent more time in the offensive backfield than the quarterback. So when the final practice ended, he was asked if he talked with the Dolphins.
“Yes sir I had an interview,” Young said. “I appreciate them for sitting down and talking with me. It went pretty well.”
As a senior, Young racked up 20 tackles, two forced fumbles and 6.5 sacks. He also had 15 tackles for loss and was named first team All-SEC.
What did Kaytron Allen learn in 2025?
During his final two seasons, Allen experienced the full gamut of college football.
An 1,000-yard season to go along with a College Football Playoff bid in 2024 meant that he along with the rest of the Nittany Lions fan base had big expectations in 2025. Then the seasons started.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar broke his left ankle in October. Longtime coach James Franklin was fired shortly thereafter. And the Nittany Lions subsequently finished the season 7-7.
Allen, however, rushed for more than 1,300 yards, the 12th-highest amount in the nation, as well as 15 touchdowns. The experience taught the 23-year-old a lot about life.
“It prepared me a lot,” Allen said. “Sometimes you have to fail for the better. Unfortunately, it was just one of [those] seasons.”
What Allen said next appeared indicative of who he is not just as a player but as a teammate.
“I wish I could have a national championship instead of doing what I did,” Allen said.
SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS
- Georgia Tech OL Keylan Rutledge
- What stood out: toughness
- Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields
- What stood out: ball tracking
- Pitt LB Kyle Louis
- What stood out: nose for the ball
- Mizzou EDGE Zion Young
- What stood out: pass rushing ability
- Florida DT Caleb Banks
- What stood out: length and pass rushing ability
- Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun
- What stood out: speed
This story was originally published January 31, 2026 at 4:39 PM.
