Charlies Bernstein, who covers the Jacksonville Jaguars, is covering the East-West Shrine Game for Scout.com.
Wednesday Practice Report - West
Wednesday Practice Report - East
Tuesday Practice Recap - East:
Tuesday Practice Recap - West
Shrine Game Practice Day 1
Patriots Looking At Defenders
Fordham signal caller John Skelton worked with the first team and he had his best practice of the week. Skelton’s effortless throwing motion impressed scouts, and he showed an ability to drive the ball to the outside and in the seam.
“I’m starting to get a feel for my receivers and I really felt I threw the ball well today,” Skelton said.
Northwestern’s Mike Kafka would not be outdone, as he showed remarkable touch on corner routes in the end zone, and was still able to put the required zip on the ball to get it to his open men.
“The U” running back Javarris James flashed, as did UConn’s Andre Dixon, as both ran with purpose and caught the ball well out of the backfield.
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Connecticut's Andre Dixon
(AP Photo/Fred Beckham) |
“JJ (James) and Dixon have both seemed to show flashes this week,” East head coach and current Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said.
Wide receiver Blair White showed an ability to be nimble, and that combined with his excellent route running skills has not only had him noticed, but will likely keep him employed with an NFL team. Freddie Barnes continues to have the best hands of the group of receivers, but speed concerns are legitimate.
Army’s Ali Villanueva continued to be the star of the tight end class as the 6’10”, 285 lb. target looked athletic, and his hands are stellar for a player who has never played the position.
Tennessee tackle Chris Scott had a nice day as he more than held his own against the East’s speed rushers. Scott, along with %%MATCH_20%%’s Rodger Safford, III and %%MATCH_21%%’s Kyle Calloway were the class of the offensive tackles.
Defensively, Torrell Troup was solid again, but needs some technical refinement.
“We’re working with Torrell to use his hands more because he’s going to need to do that on the next level,” Crennel said.
Mississippi’s Greg Hardy had his best practice of the week, as he was disruptive in one-on-one situations and really showed why many scouts have him pegged as an early pick. %%MATCH_17%%’s Doug Worthington seemed to move a little slow and it appeared as if he had some sort of leg injury.
As has been the case all week, USF’s Kion Lewis and %%MATCH_18%%’s O’Brien Schofield have dominated at the linebacker position. Lewis is lightning quick to the football and Schofield seems to be comfortable while dropping into coverage.
In the secondary, the usual stars shined as the Chancellor’s, %%MATCH_19%%’s Chris and Virginia Tech’s Kam continued to make big plays. Both players look head and shoulders above their competition. South Carolina’s Darian Stewart showed an ability to be very quick to the football a
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College Football HomeCharlie Bernstein is the host of CB Sports on ESPN Radio 1420 in St. Augustine, and Editor-in-Chief of Sports Media Interactive, covering multiple teams in the National Football League, NCAA, and National Basketball Association. Charlie is a regular syndicated contributor to FoxSports and Sirius NFL Radio, and has been featured on the NFL Network. Charlie is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.