FRISCO, TEXAS — The Star hosts the 99th East-West Shrine Bowl, a draft event where more than 130 draft talent from around the country showcase their skills in front of 32 NFL teams and their scouting departments. And it ended on a high note. As a selection team from other leagues such as the UFL and CFL.
This past week was a big one for a handful of players who saw their draft stocks rise. Here are five players who will benefit from this week and get a little more buzz going deeper into the draft process.
RB Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss: Frank Gore Jr., the son of 14-year veteran running back Frank Gore, stole the show Thursday night at the Shrine Bowl with a 49-yard touchdown run that put the West ahead. . His quick cutback ability allowed him to consistently find open space, and his knack for breaking out of the open field allowed him to get away with big runs. His performance won him the MVP award of the game.
Gore Jr., who enters the week as a third-day option, could see his name called a little early on the final day of the draft — assuming he's still available for the remainder of Saturday. Badaga.
CB Jarius Monroe, Tulane: Defensive MVP went to Tulane cornerback Jarius Monroe. Monroe secured the only interception of the game on an underthrown pass along the sideline that was perfectly positioned to grab out of the air.
After a productive career with the Green Wave, Monroe entered the draft process as a third-day secondary prospect who could shine in NFL training camp and preseason. After a strong week in practice that included an interception in the end zone, Monroe may have ensured his name is called in April's draft.
RB Blake Watson, Memphis: Blake Watson didn't exactly shine during practice in Frisco all week, but his performance in Thursday night's game was hard to miss. Watson finished the night as the game's second-leading rusher behind Gore Jr. with 46 yards on 12 carries, and also finished as the game's top receiver with 65 yards on six receptions.
The West team was able to consistently get down the field thanks to production from the backfield in the receiving game. His contact balance allowed him to evade would-be tacklers and get quick gains with quick bursts.
TE Zach Hynes, South Dakota State: Zach Hynes had the best play of the night with a bobbling grab over the middle of the field, and he held on to a big first down reception after it was deflected by a safety over the middle. He only touched the ball Thursday night for a 26-yard reception, but his usage throughout the week in practice has put his name in the public eye a little more than it has been since the beginning of the week. ing.
DT Miles Murphy, North Carolina: After a big sack in Thursday night's game and some added pressure from the defensive interior, North Carolina's Myles Murphy could become an even more notable player during the draft process.
The big 6-foot-5, 310-pounder has the wide frame to stop run-ups in the middle, but it was his pass-rushing ability that drew attention Thursday night.
