East-West Shrine Game/practices

S'up people.

The East-West Shrine practices are going on this week followed by the game on Sat. 7pm est on espn2.


01/15/08

Frank Okam DT HT: 6-5 WT: 320 Texas proj rd: 2-3
"Looked like a beast most of the day. He kept his ground when needed and also split double teams, although he fell down afterwards on one occasion. Okam also sniffed out a screen on another play. Occasionally he played too high, which 6'5" DT tend to do. But most times he got into his man's chest and pushed him back into the QB. In fact, the coaches got after him a bit because he was putting his team's QB at risk too often."


Jerome Simpson WR HT: 6-2 WT: 190 Coastal Carolina proj rd: 3-4
"One of the most impressive players on the field. His speed, smoothness off the line, quickness in and out of cuts, and reliable hands were reminiscent of former San Jose State and current Green Bay Packer James Jones at this game last year. He's not as big as Jones, but Small school or not, he should make some money this week."


Donald Thomas OG HT: 6-4 WT: 292 UConn proj rd: 4-5
"Showed his nice combination of strength and athleticism today. Keilen Dykes tried a spin move on him, which had worked on others, but Thomas had none of it. He kept his feet moving and arms extended to keep Dykes spinning in place."


Dexter Jackson WR HT: 5-9 WT: 178 Appalachian State proj rd: 6-7
"The smallest guy on the field was also the most explosive. Coach Vermeil stopped one play before it began to ask Jackson to "check the tight end"…the receiver was covering him up, which would be a penalty. On the ensuing play, Jackson crossing over the middle from his slot position, snatched a bullet throw, and out-quicked everyone down a seam for the big play."


Curtis Johnson DE/OLB HT: 6-3 WT: 245 Clark Atlanta proj rd: 6-7
"Converting from hand-down to stand-up player should be possible with Johnson with his closing speed and strength. Lined up inside and outside, looking fairly comfortable in both places. Got kudos from his coach for the use of his hands inside. He can get off blocks with violent hand movements. Johnson even held his lane with a 300 pound O-lineman trying to push him out of it."

- http://www.nfldraftscout.com/

The rosters:

East - http://www.shrinegame.com/pdf/rosters/83rd/83rd_East_Alphabetical_Roster.pdf

West - http://www.shrinegame.com/pdf/rosters/83rd/83rd_West_Alphabetical_Roster.pdf

 

Hula Bowl notes from Pete Dymeck


DE/OLB Angelo Craig 6-5 235 Cincinnati (hopefully he can put on 10-20 lbs) - my words
was really my defensive MVP of the game. He is a powerful hitter. He forced a fumble, tallied 2 sacks, and looked incredible from the edge. He is set to be a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE. He helped himself with his Hula Bowl performance. Remember this name.

WR Jabari Arthur 6-4 228 Akron
was my choice for offensive MVP of the game. He really helped his stock out with this one. He is big and physical, played well from the slot, showed that he had great hands, solid rapport with the QB despite a lack of playing time together.

LB/DE Marcus Howard 6-2 245 Georgia
is coming off of a great Sugar Bowl performance and helped himself out with a sack. I think he is very underrated and his stock should continue to rise through the NFL Combine and Pro Day workouts.

WR Marcus Fitzgerald 5-10 202 Marshall
is the brother of Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. After dropping one pass early, he redeemed himself by showing that he can run a good route from the slot and making a tough, physical catch.

http://nfldraftguys.com/features/08 Hula Notes.php

 

Tuesday's Practice:

Donald Thomas OG
"His anchor and strength in various drills today, as well as scrimmages, was impressive. Exploded from his stance in combo block drills."


Dexter Jackson WR
"Once again he showed extreme quickness. Not surprisingly, the small receiver showed the ability to get down to grab a low pass. The only balls he doesn't catch with his hands are punts. He caught a few of those running forward, showing nice concentration."


Andrew Crummey OG 6-5 308 Maryland proj rd: 5-6
"Has played well this week. Quickly gets into his pass set at right guard. Got his hands up and extended his arms to take Keilen Dykes out of an inside run play during a scrimmage. Showed a nice anchor, as well, giving little ground in drills or scrimmages. He can get to the mike pretty quickly and negate him, as well."


Frank Okam DT
"One of the more inconsistent players in the country. Did not manage to keep his pads down nearly enough, which costs him his main strength…his strength. No leverage means he gets stonewalled or run out of the play. Looked almost nonchalant at times today."


Derek Lokey DT 6-2 288 Texas proj rd: 7-UDFA
"Appeared for the first time today and did what was expected. Using his short stature and great strength and leverage, he consistently held his ground against double-teams, making backs bounce outside. Absolutely wasted guards in one-on-one drills with initial quickness, hustle, and hands. Not to mention a nice spin move inside…"


J.J. Finley TE 6-6 258 Oklahoma proj rd: 6-7
"Monday Practice: Had one of the better practices of the day. Ran some outstanding routes today, chopping his legs and getting out quicker than expected. Also had a couple of excellent catches with arms extended. One came with DB Derrick Doggett draped on him (legally) and with the sideline coming into play. On another, he left DB David Roach in his dust, faking inside and heading outside to make the grab."

"Tuesday Practice: Again one of the top players on the field. Consistently caught the ball with extended arms, using his size to beat the jam and get separation. Also dominated his defensive end on the edge."


Ahtyba Rubin DT 6-3 320 Iowa State proj rd: 4-5
"Rubin is ascending up draft boards this year because of his inside presence. Showed a lot of power at times today, getting under the pads of guards and pushing the pocket."


Jesse Nading DE/OLB 6-5 260 Colorado State
"A tall, lean end who showed violent hands by beating Geoff Schwartz and Tyler Polumbus with rip moves all afternoon. Hustled and chased down plays throughout the day, as well."


Jameel McClain ILB 6-1 253 Syracuse proj rd: 7
"Shows potential as a real two-down run-stuffer. Absolutely explodes into the hole and has nice closing speed to bring down a RB. Likes to talk, but takes his work seriously. On one play, WR Paul Hubbard was walking through the defense getting back to the line late. McClain had called the coverage already, then McClain saw Hubbard walking through. He stared the lanky receiver down, like he was trying to steal the defensive signals. He's intense…"

- http://www.nfldraftscout.com/