East-West Shrine Game: 2011 NFL Draft Preparation Continues

The 2011 East-West Shrine Game turned into a showcase for one team. It wasn’t the West.

The East team forced three fumbles and scored 19 points in the first half, then cruised to a 25-8 victory. Syracuse running back Delone Carter, who ran for a touchdown, was named the game’s offensive MVP.

The 2011 East-West Shrine Game is just one of many all-star games for college football players trying to turn one last bit of live competition into a selection in the 2011 NFL Draft and a lucrative payday. Who should fans be watching in the game, broadcast on NFL Network at 4 p.m. Eastern?

Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech: The Hokies’ career leader in wins faces questions about his size and passing ability, and must convince NFL personnel experts that he’s not just this year’s Pat White. He has superb agility and speed for a quarterback, which could translate to an NFL career at wide receiver.

Preparations for the 2011 NFL draft started during the 2010 college football season and that process continues on Saturday with the 2011 East-West Shrine game. One of the longest-running postseason college football all-star games that began in 1925. The game benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children which specializes in treating orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns, and cleft lip and palate, for children up to age 18, regardless of their ability to pay.

The game will take place on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. (ET) at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. You can view the rosters of the two teams here.