The East-West Shrine Game concluded its Tuesday practices as NFL scouts and media swarmed. All eyes are on the prospects now as they hope to impress during Saturday’s All-Star game. Let’s take a look at some of the names that stood out on the West team.
East-West Shrine Game 2013 practice report: Keenan Davis, Zeke Motta among West standouts
Another day of practice is in the books, and we take a look at who stood out, for better or worse, on the West squad.
Alfie Crow (SB Nation)
* Arizona quarterback Matt Scott is hoping to flash some potential after being stuck behind Nick Foles for most of his college career. Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting notes that Scott "was very erratic in his ball placement, and while he flashes ample velocity, he struggled across the field all day." SI's Tony Pauline still likes his arm strength and zip on the ball.
* Texas A&M running back Christine Michael was one of the standouts at the running back position. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler believes that Michael is "NFL-quality" and notes that he "runs low to the ground with good pad level and lateral agility to make strong cuts, keeping defenders off balance with quickness and power."
* Iowa wide receiver Keenan Davis was Galko's star of the day. Davis showed the most consistency out of the West receivers, "attacking the ball well in the air, finishing catches on the interior, and tracked the ball well vertically."
* Wide receiver Jasper Collins hopes to follow fellow Mount Union stars Pierre Garcon and Cecil Shorts III to the NFL, but he had an up-and-down practice Tuesday. Galko says that Collins "struggled versus press today, had at least one drop that I saw, and struggled all day with getting separation vs. physical corners." Scouts still like his route-running and quickness. With some coaching-up, he could be a Day 3 gem in April.
* UCLA tight end Joseph Fauria didn't practice due to injury, and he's questionable for Saturday's game.
* In more injury news, Kansas State offensive tackle Manase Foketi pulled his right calf and may not play for the rest of the week. Tough break for the kid, who was projecting as one of the best linemen in the game. He does have a combine invite.
* Galko is high on Howard linebacker Keith Pough, and notes that he “is standing out more as a natural linebacker than I expected thus far.” An impressive athlete, Pough’s draft stock could skyrocket if he flashes 4-3 linebacking skills on Saturday.
* The West squad is stacked with Big Ten cornerbacks, and the top three to watch are Illinois' Terry Hawthorne, Ohio State's Travis Howard, and Iowa's Micah Hyde.
*Finally, Notre Dame safety Zeke Motta is looking to reclaim his draft stock after the BCS Championship Game drubbing. He matched up well with Keenan Davis and got an interception. Galko believes that "if he can cover in man like that, Motta is showing there isn't much he can't do at an adequate or beyond level."
Alfie Crow of SB Nation and Big Cat Country is on the scene covering practices at the Shrine Game this week. Be sure to follow him @AlfieBCC for more.
Some more Twitter follows for Shrine Game coverage: Erik Galko, Optimum Scouting; Michael Schottey, Jeff Risdon, DetriotLionsDraft.com; and Cecil Lammey, ESPN Denver.
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