NFL
By: William Carroll
2018 East/West Shrine Game Practice Report Day 3
We are underway at the 2018 Shrine game and the action is taking shape quickly.
On the third day of practice as offensive and defensive calls and plays are being installed and as the players settled into their roles we saw some interesting developments. Division II defensive player of the year Marcus Martin saw some snaps at fullback, a 6’5 1/8″ 269 wide receiver, Jordan Thomas is trying to learn to play tight end, some even think he could grow into an offensive tackle. Daurice Fountain continued to impress as did: Brian Allen and JT Barrett, Avonte Maddox, Deatrick Nichols, Marcell Frazier and Tegray Scales, Chad Thomas for the East and: Jeff Badet, Zach Crabtree, Dane Cruikshank, Steven Dunbar, Natrell Jamerson and Joe Ostman for the West.
It was clear watching practices that Fountain is a competitor, he has size, speed, he’s strong and very quick in and out of his breaks, he has a large catch radius and has an impressive football IQ. Ostman is very compact and powerful, he understands leverage and angles, he’s also extemely polished as a pass-rusher. Barrett displayed a quick and crisp relaease, command of the situation and poise. Maddox and Nichols are both likely to made slot corners, both showed fluid hips and feet, insticts and the ability to play the ball in the air and tackle. Scales and Frazier move really well, Thomas and Crabtree looked agile and have very good balance. For the East the running backs frankly didn’t really catch my eye. On defense Greg Stroman and Folorunso Fatukasi have been consistently showing good technique and have taken coaching well.
Going forward I will be watching to see if a running back stands out, if any other QB steps up and to see if an of the defensive or offensive linemen rise to the occasion. I will have an update soon.
Keep it LOCKED with us all week for updates.
