
Even though he has received an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl amidst the Brady Quinn controversy, Florida quarterback Chris Leak would like to improve his draft stock even more. The other quarterbacks competing in the Shrine game are Drew Tate (Iowa), Lester Ricard (Tulane), Jeff Rowe (Nevada), Zac Taylor (Nebraska), John Beck (Brigham Young). Leak, Rowe, and Beck are highly touted considering how weak this senior quarterback class is expected to be.
Tyrone Moss (Miami, Fl.) will look to prove the doubters wrong and show why he can be a first day selection. He will lead this group of running backs. The other running backs involved in the Shrine game are Alonzo Coleman (Hampton), Steve Baylark (UMass), Stevie Hicks (Iowa State), Selvin Young (Texas), and Jon Kornish (Kansas). Moss, Young, Hicks, and Kornish are the backs that you will want to keep an eye on in this game.
Steve Breaston (Michigan) has been acclaimed to have some good practices this week for the East squad. He can really move up into the first day of the draft with a good showing in the Shrine Game and at the Combine. Aside from Breaston, the other wide-out's that will show off their skills in this game are Syvelle Newton (South Carolina), David Ball (New Hampshire), Jayson Swain (Tennessee), Dallas Baker (Florida), Paul Williams (Fresno State), Joel Filani (Texas Tech), D'Juan Woods (Oklahoma State), and Jarrett Hicks (Texas Tech). Recent reports from the practices say that Filani is struggling catching the ball. Williams, Baker, Breaston, Swain, and Woods are all expecting to be drafted this April. Controversial wide-out Ryan Moore (Miami, Fl.) dropped out of this game. Prior to his legal and character issues last year, Moore was being projected to be a first rounder. Now he will be lucky to get drafted.
Of the tight end's, the only noteworthy prospect to keep an eye on is Matt Herian from Nebraska. He is a Kyle Brady-like end that is very useful when he is blocking.
The offensive linemen that you might want to watch are Doug Free (Northern Illinois), Brandon Frye (Virginia Tech), Kyle Young (Fresno State), Enoka Lucas (Oregon), and Herb Taylor (Texas Christian). Of this group, Kyle Young, Doug Free and Brandon Frye appear to be first day prospects.
On the defensive line, there are a lot of guys that want to make a name for themselves but only a few that could be first day prospects. Baratka Atkins (Miami, Fl.) leads the pack as he could sneak into the first round by the time April comes around. Joining Atkins on the watch list are Steve Harris (Florida), and Mkristo Bruce (Washington State). Standout Warrior from Hawaii Ikaika Alama-Francis is slated to play in this game but was injured in the Hula Bowl.
The linebackers are thin prospect-wise but Desmond Bishop (California) leads the way. Keep an eye on Justin Durant (Hampton) as he will try to shove his way into a first day selection.
Possible first round selection Marcus McCauley (Fresno State) leads this pack of defensive backs. Joining him on the watch list is Sabby Piscitelli (Oregon State), John Wendling (Wyoming), C.J. Wilson (Baylor), Willis Barringer (Michigan), and Brandon Mitchell (Ohio State).
For complete rosters, click on the following links: East and West.