The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Louisville wide receiver Caullin Lacy plans on taking full advantage. Lacy recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Lacy also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his favorite routes to run at wide receiver, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Lacy better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Caullin Lacy: I was chilling at home when I got the call. I was very surprised, very happy. I just felt very thankful. Going to the Senior Bowl has been a goal of mine for many years now.
JM: It doesn’t sound like it took much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Caullin Lacy: I’m from that city, man. I hail from Mobile, Alabama. I’ve been watching the Senior Bowl for years, ever since I was a little kid. I always wanted to participate in the Senior Bowl. From my freshman year to my senior year, it’s been a goal of mine.
I remember watching the Senior Bowl thinking, ‘Yup, I’m going to make it there someday.’
JM: It must be a dream come true for you. What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Caullin Lacy: I’m ready to prove that I can run routes at a high level. I want to prove that I can play the wide receiver position in the NFL. I can play in the return game as well. Everybody knows that I can make an impact on special teams, so I really want to show that I can run routes and make plays as both a receiver and returner.
JM: How would you write your own scouting report? Describe your traits and abilities. Self-scout yourself at wide receiver for us.
Caullin Lacy: I’m quick and tough. I play the game with a high football IQ. I know how to route the ball and make defenders miss in open space. I have speed for days. I can get down the field. I’m a difference maker in the return game. I know how to get open as a receiver.
JM: It was obvious on tape. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL wide receiver or special teams returner, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Caullin Lacy: I love watching Amon-Ra St. Brown nowadays. Man, I used to love Tavon Austin in the return game. I remember being electrified by how Austin approached the return game, how he made plays with the ball in his hands. I really love watching St. Brown play wide receiver.
JM: Those are some great choices. You’ve made it a point of emphasis to say you want to prove your ability to play wide receiver at the Senior Bowl. Do you have a favorite route to run?
Caullin Lacy: We call it a chop route, like an inside slot fade. I can use my speed on that route to run past a sitting nickel defender. They’re gonna sit on that route and I can use my speed to run past him and score a touchdown.
JM: You made a nice transition from South Alabama to Louisville when you decided to enter the portal. Do you feel like you handled that step up in competition?
Caullin Lacy: I feel like I answered the call when I went from South Alabama to Louisville. I adapted to the environment. Even though I got injured during my first year at Louisville, I showed off my skill set a little bit.
I feel like I handled the transition well. I definitely thrived in the return game. I made the most of my opportunities at wide receiver.
JM: Hailing from Mobile, having played at South Alabama before Louisville, you must be approaching the Senior Bowl with a chip on your shoulder.
Caullin Lacy: Yessir, I definitely am. I’m ready to prove myself in Mobile in front of NFL personnel. I want to showcase what I can do. This is a dream come true for me. I’m ready to show everybody what I can do with the football in my hands.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Caullin Lacy?
Caullin Lacy: My top objective is to show NFL scouts that I can play wide receiver at the next level. I’m also excited to display my speed in the open field as a kickoff and punt returner. I’m ready to show coaches what I can do.