East-West Shrine Game Preview: East Team, 2014 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
By Corey Brewer
Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports
The East-West Shrine Game is the longest running college all-star game in the country. Since 1925, college seniors have been able to make their case towards the NFL by playing in the annual event. With NFL scouts and media members in attendance during the entire week, this can be a make or break moment for a prospect.
The East team is coached by former Atlanta Falcons and Houston Oilers head coach, Jerry Glanville. Here are a few players to watch from his squad.
QB #11- Jimmy Garoppolo – Eastern Illinois
You are sure to hear Garoppolo’s name a bunch from now until draft day. Every year there is a small school quarterback who catches the attention of NFL teams. He has the tools to be a starting quarterback at the next level. He throws the ball with good velocity, and has good composure in the pocket. Look for him to impress throughout the weeks events.
RB #24 – Zach Bauman – Northern Arizona
Bauman is a small, shifty, speedy running back. He has already impressed scouts and evaluators through the first couple days of practices and will continue to do so going forward. Bauman measures in at 5’7”, so teams may be hesitant to put stock into him due to the lack of size, but he can run with the best of them. He will draw comparisons to similar sized running back, Kendall Hunter. Expect Bauman to be a quick riser on draft boards throughout the pre-draft festivities.
WR #84 – Matt Hazel – Coastal Carolina
Matt Hazel is the most intriguing wide receiver prospect at the Shrine Game. He is a big target with a good catch radius. Hazel is a strong route runner, who loves to attack the defender right off the line. He shows the ability to consistently get open, and has solid hands. He could stand to bulk up before the draft, but he still possesses the size of an NFL receiver. Hazel will have a strong showing with a decent quarterback throwing him the ball.
CB #3 – Pierre Desir – Lindenwood
Desir may be the most talented defensive player on either squad. He is a tall, athletic cornerback who thrived against lower level wide recievers throughout his college career. Desir has a chance to break into the early rounds of the draft with a good showing against some tough FBS targets. Desir has impressed coaches so far down in St. Petersburg, and you shouldn’t expect anything else from this gifted defender.
S #10 – Tre Boston – North Carolina
Boston has played multiple positions in the secondary over his career. The former Tar Heel has a nose for the ball and plays all over the field. While he is a playmaker, he does lack closing speed. He can get beaten deep downfield, which can lead to the opposing team breaking a big play. Boston trusts his tackling ability and does a good job bringing down defenders on first contact. He is a very confident football player who had a productive college career