East-West Shrine Game Recap
By: Robert Davis

While the Senior Bowl gets most of the press as the top post season all star game, the East-West Shrine game is a worthwhile watch as well. None of these players will hear their name called in the first round, but thats what makes the game interesting. All of these players are fighting for any edge they can get in their chase for an NFL career. This year's Shrine game was won by the West squad, 35-31. There were a number of noteworthy performances in this game.

The best player on the field wore a West uniform on Saturday. Texas A&M quarterback Reggie McNeal put on a show. McNeal is known for his dazzling athleticism and speed, and both were on display. He had the most exciting one yard touchdown pass you will ever see. After taking the snap, McNeal rolled right then reversed field and on the run threw a strike to Oregon tight end Tim Day in the end zone to tie the game up 7-7. On the day he completed 9-11 passes for 201 yards and two scores, to go with 32 yards on four carries on the ground. He ended his day with a 23 yard touchdown strike to Mike Hass to win the game for the West squad. No one has ever questioned the physical talent of McNeal but he has not developed as hoped at the QB position. He did an excellent job of showing he still has the mentality to be a quarterback at the next level. He looked to pass first, and had a number of beautiful passes down the field. He still has work to do, but it was an impressive final showing for McNeal. He should get a shot to develop as a QB, but his athleticism may allow him to get on the field in a "Slash" type role immediately.

Texas Tech running back Taurean Henderson entered the game with major questions about his ability to operate out of a pro style backfield formation. He has piled up some amazing numbers at Tech, but a lot of people questioned his true ability because of the spead set they utilize. Henderson got the opportunity to carry the ball out of the I and be a true running back, and he did not disappoint. He only ended up with 32 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, but he displayed excellent quickness to and through the hole. His initial quickness and ability to change direction and maintain his quickness is impressive. He still does not have the power to be a consistent between the tackles runner, but he did show the ability to make it at the next level.

Oregon State's Mike Hass won the Biletnikoff Award this year as the nations top receiver, and he lived up to that billing in San Antonio. He had four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, which was the eventual game winner. As has been the case all year, Hass has an uncanny ability to find soft spots in a defense and catches everything thrown his way.

Oregon tight end Tim Day had a good week of practice and topped it off with a very solid performance during the game. Day has an NFL body, and showed the ability to catch the ball with his hands consistently and hold on to the ball in traffic. He only had 11 yards on three receptions, but one of them went for a touchdown. In a deep tight end class, Day solidified himself in the second tier group, behind the big three of Marcedes Lewis, Vernon Davis, and Leonard Pope.

On the defensive side of the ball for the West, Southern Cal end Frostee Rucker provided consistent pressure on East quarterbacks whenever he was on the field. Rucker tipped two passes on the day and showed an impressive burst off the snap, and the change of direction ability to get consistent penetration into the backfield. He is still viewed as a tweener, but he looked very good with his hand down off the edge.

Two small school talents showed that they could play with the big boys on Saturday. Cal Poly DE Chris Gocong and Texas Southern LB Fredericc Brock had impressive games. Gocong has been a dominant pass rush force at the D1-AA level the past two seasons, finishing with 41 sacks over the past two seasons. He was a consistent force off the edge during the game, showing the agility and athleticism to beat the tackle off the edge, and the speed to close to make the play. Brock has excellent size for a linebacker and was active all over the field. He was around the action everywhere, whether stopping the run or covering backs and tight ends out in the flat.

Arkansas RB De'Arrius Howard had the most productive game on the East offense. He found the end zone three times on the ground while running for 61 yards on 15 carries. Howard has a low center of gravity, and runs hard, but also showed the ability to reach the outside and turn the corner. He is still a late round prospect only, but his performance will earn him closer looks from NFL personnel.

While Howard was the most productive, the best player on the East side was Hofstra WR Marques Colston. Colston has tremendous size for the WR position, and has excellent body control. He knows how to use his size, and his ability to go up and get the ball is very impressive. He had five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown on the game, and came within a yard of winning the game for the East with eight seconds left. He caught a jump ball at the one yard line and gave his team one more shot to win the game, but the East was stopped at the two and the game was over. Colston may have improved his stock as much as anyone in this game. His size and body control are definitely NFL caliber. If he can post some impressive workout numbers, he will be a big riser come April.

Western Michigan WR Greg Jennings had a solid performance. A favorite on many sleeper lists, Jennings may be rising himself out of the sleeper category. He does not standout in any area, but he just makes plays. He is a lot like Mike Hass in that regard. Jennings knows how to get open and catches anything in his vicinity. For the game he had three catches for 66 yards.

Leon Washington out of Florida St. put on an impressive all around display. He ran for 44 yards on nine carries and six grabs for 26 yards. His quickness and cutting ability jumped out during the game. He reaches top gear quickly and does not hesitate when changing direction.

James Wyche had a very good game on the defensive side of the ball for the East team. The Syracuse defensive end is an impressive physical speciment. He has a great body and the frame to add more weight, but he also has excellent athleticism to go with it. He put his talents to good use, coming up with two sacks on the day. He still gets too tall out of his stance, but if he beats you off the edge, look out.

It is important not to jump to conclusions based on an all star game, but all of these players did an excellent job of showcasing their talents for the next level. You really cannot hurt your stock in these games; the extra exposure helps everyone. But these players made the most of their opportunities on the field, and will now turn to the workout portion of the draft phase to continue their pursuit of playing on Sundays.