Five that Shined at the Shrine

 

First I want to say that this event was fun for everyone and I had a great time covering this game with my Bucs Report family. The Shrine game has produced several successful players throughout its history. A couple of players you might be familiar with in recent years were Shrine game offensive MVP Jimmy Garoppolo and defensive MVP Za’Darius Smith. The Shriners have done a excellent job giving these young players a chance to showcase their performance one last time before they all go to their pro days and the combine.

 

John Runyan Jr., OG, #75, Michigan
HT: 6’4 WT: 319 lbs

 

Runyan was as advertised, big, physical and has more potential to grow. The east offensive line dominated the entire day and that line was anchored by Runyan. Every time the east needed a big run for a score they called the run to his side of the offensive line. Runyan played all his years in college at tackle but will make the switch to guard in the NFL. A NFL team that selects him will get a player that has the knowledge to play multiple in places on the offensive line. Runyan has the potential for a bright future in the NFL from his dads experience to his own natural abilities.

Pros: Leg drive, strength

Cons: Experience

Comparison: Andrew Whitworth

 

Adrian Killins, WR, #26, UCF
HT: 5’7 WT: 164 lbs

 

Killins had spectators drooling at his agility, speed and pass catching ability. He will likely take a place on a NFL roster as a special teams player or a pass catching back. Killins is not an every down back but he creates mismatches for bigger defenders attempting to cover him in space. He is the kind of back that if you don’t have much time to throw from the pocket and need a check down option Killins  is your guy he will turn a 2 yard catch into a 20 yard gain. Just call him “Mr. YAC”

Pros: Speed, Vision, playmaker ability

Cons: Pass blocking, durability

Comparison: Tariq Cohen

 

Parker Houston, #82, TE, SDSU
HT: 6’2 WT: 251 lbs

 

San Diego state continues to put good college players into professional sports and Parker Houston is another one. Although Parker did not get a lot of opportunities to catch the ball but when he did he made the best of it. Houston hauled in a contested catch in the end zone earlier in the game. The reason I have his name on this list is because I see alot of potential in this guy, I see see a football player. Houston was not afraid to put his head down and block someone if the run is called in his direction. Houston will make a NFL team and prove his worth in NFL training camp.

Pros: Great hands, physical, smart

Cons: Speed

Comparison: Jack Doyle

 

Benny LeMay, RB, #32, Charlotte
HT: 5’8 WT: 216 lbs

 

The big little back out of Charlotte is well put together with size and speed. LeMay was the consistent runner of the day with lower his head and following holes on his way to first downs and touchdowns. Makes one cut into open holes and gets downhill quickly and while not shying away from contact. “The Bully”

Pros: Physical, durable

Cons: Pass catching, pass blocking

Comparison: David Montgomery

James Morgan, QB, #12, FIU
HT: 6’4 WT: 230 lbs

 

I could not finish this without a quarterback to talk about and I decided on the coolest one of the bunch the “Panther” James Morgan. Morgan was cool, calm, and collective in the pocket and when he was on the run. Just at halftime Morgan was 8/11 111 yards and 1 passing TD with a QBR of 135.0. Morgan has the tools to be something special for one of the 32 NFL teams. When I spoke to James in our interview he understood the times were he needed to fit a ball in a tight window and the times he needed to take an easy completion. Morgan was able to move the ball down the field in the opening drive to put the east up early.

Pros: Arm strength, vision, poise

Cons: None

Comparison: Brett Favre

Honorable Mentions: RB James Robinson, OT Kevin Dotson, WR  Binjimen Victor