The 93rd East, West Shrine game will be played this Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida. The East, West Shrine game is the oldest college all-star game and it will feature some of the most talented seniors in the country.
Here are ten players to watch in this year’s game.
1. Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern (West): Jackson had a tremendous career at Northwestern finishing with 5,440 yards and 41 rushing touchdowns. At 5-11, 200 pounds, Jackson has the size and speed combination coaches look for. He has good hands and is versatile enough that he can line up in the backfield or in the slot. Jackson is an intriguing mid-round prospect.
2.Damon Webb, S, Ohio State (East): Webb continues the long line of defensive backs that have entered the NFL out of Ohio State in the past four years. Webb doesn’t have the athleticism or the ball skills of former Buckeye Malik Hooker but he has good range laterally and plays with good anticipation over the top in coverage. He breaks on routes at the right time. I am looking forward to seeing him play in this game.
3. Poona Ford, DT, Texas (West): Ford was terrific this past season at Texas as a one gap, 3 technique penetrator. Ford is explosive off the snap and can play in all four directions. He routinely makes chase plays from the backside. Ford has short arms but he wins with explosion so that shouldn’t be that much of an issue for him at the next level.
4. Riley Ferguson, QB, Memphis (East): Ferguson put up ridiculous numbers at Memphis this season but scouts and coaches alike want to see if he can play under center in a pro-style offense. Ferguson has a quick release and plus arm strength. He is athletic in and out of the pocket. I am curious to see how he transitions to a pro-style offense and if he improves his decision making.
5. DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State (East): Hamilton was sort of the forgotten man in Penn State’s explosive offense. All of the attention was on quarterback Trace McSorley, running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Mike Gesicki. Hamilton is a burner. He runs good vertical routes and can stack defenders quickly. He has strong hands when the ball is in the air. He needs to show scoutes he can run a more complete route tree.
6. Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech, (East): Facyson was one of the best cornerbacks in the country coming into the season but injuries slowed him down. Facyson has strong hands as a press corner and can routinely re-route receivers and play in the trail technique. Coaches and scouts alike love his size and ball skills. He fits the profile of the modern cornerback.
7. Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (Fla) (East): Thomas is a long, explosive edge rusher who can consistently hand fight and separate as a pass rusher. He also does a good job of holding the edge against the run. Thomas is an intriguing prospect with middle round potential.
8. Cam Serigne, TE, Wake Forest (East): Serigne is a classic move tight end who can line up in a variety of places within a formation. He runs good routes and is adept at finding dead spots in zone coverage. He has strong hands and does a good job of high pointing the ball.
9. Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, DE, Arkansas State (West): Jones is the all time leading sacker in NCAA history with 40. He has explosive get off as an edge rusher and he can make plays from the backside. Jones is versatile in that he can play the five technique defensive end in the 4-3 or play outside linebacker in a 30 front.
10. Matthew Thomas, OLB, Florida State (East): Thomas is athletic and can play all three downs in all packages. Also has edge rusher potential in nickel and dime packages.