East vs. West Shrine Game (4PM EST): Who To Watch?
Well, the college offseason officially begins today. How exciting is this? We get the opportunity to get an up close and personal look at players that will be available in the 2011 NFL Draft. The East vs West Shrine Game is just the beginning of the fun. Next week is the Senior Bowl, in a couple of weeks is the NFL Combine, and following that each school will hold their very own pro-day. Below are clickable links for the rosters, and a list of players who I will be keeping my eye on during today’s game. Some of these players are considered to be late round draft picks, but there are a few that have the oppoturnity to improve their stock greatly.
Rosters:
Players To Watch:
1. DT, Marvin Austin (North Carolina) – Before his 2010 suspension, Austin was considered one of the best defensive tackles in the nation. His stock has dropped, but he has an opportunity to increase it. He will need to dominate the game to get himself back in first round consideration.
2. QB, Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech) – Not many give Taylor any shot at making it to the NFL as a quarterback. He has the athleticism to play receiver, but has refused a position change. If he wants to become an NFL quarterback, today is the day to begin to prove people wrong.
3. DE/OLB Dontay Moch (Nevada) – Everyone is enamored with Dontay Moch’s speed. Supposedly, he is capable of running in the 4.2s. That type of straight line speed won’t mean much if he cant translate it to the football field. Moch is a tweener, so he will need to show the ability to rush the passer, as well as stand up and play in coverage.
4. WR, Cecil Shorts III (Mount Union) – Cecil Shorts III is the successor of Colts receiver, Pierre Garcon at Mount Union University. Garcon paved the way for Shorts, and he is now looking to capitalize on it. Every team is looking for that “sleeper” receiver. Some think Shorts is that guy. Many receivers have shown well at the Shrine Game, and improved their draft stock. Shorts could be the next to do so.
5. DT, Terrell McClain (USF) – McClain is a big and strong defensive tackle that is strong at the point of attack. He has an opportunity to greatly improve his draft grade. Even though this class is deep with defensive tackles, teams are always in need of them. McClain is definitely someone you want to keep your eye on.
Other notables: QB, Patrick Devlin (Delware), DE, Cliff Matthews (South Carolina), CB, Justin Rogers (Richmond), WR, Terrence Toliver (LSU), OT, Joesph Barksdale (LSU), WR, Armon Binns (Cincinnati), QB, Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M), WR, Jeff Maehl (Oregon)