Shrine Bowl Progress Report: Who's Stood Out?
When the Shrine Bowl is played on Thursday, New York Giants fans should watch a few players who have made an impact throughout the week of practice.
Although these may not be household names, they have quickly become players that scouts will be heading back to their offices and combing through their film to complete their evaluations. Despite what happens in the game, these players have impressed and are in positions of need on the Giants roster.
WR David White Jr., Western Carolina
White is a 6’2” 200-pound receiver who started his collegiate career at Division II Valdosta State before transferring to Western Carolina. He was unguardable at the Hula Bowl and earned a spot at the Shrine Bowl, where he continued to be the most impressive receiver on the grounds.
His unique combination of size and athleticism allows him to get in and out of breaks quickly while shielding defenders and plucking football out of the air. He has forced decision-makers to take him seriously in the evaluation process. Do not be surprised if he gets a workout with the Giants. He has been too impressive not to garner attention from all 32 teams.
CB Qwan'Tez Stiggers, Toronto Argonauts
Stiggers is the secret that many scouts were hoping did not get out. Stiggers has one of the most unlikely backstories in history, being a guy who went from having never played in college to playing for the Fan-Controlled Football League and then finding his way onto the Toronto Argos of the Canadian Football League, where he earned a starting spot and made the all-star team.
As a cornerback playing in the CFL, you knew he would be comfortable in coverage. However, he has been sticky during the Shrine practices all week, playing well in press coverage and off-man or zone coverage.
He has raised his profile, and as the Giants continue to fill out their defensive back room, Stiggers will be an intriguing prospect, not just because he's the only one with legitimate professional film from a highly respected league.
WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Johnson has been another standout during the Shrine Bowl. The 6’3”, 200-pound University of Michigan receiver had 47 receptions for 604 yards and a touchdown and helped the Wolverines claim a national championship.
He has impressed onlookers with his body control and hands this week. Being able to easily get in and out of breaks has been impressive. He has also been able to create separation from defenders and has been a legitimate weapon in the red zone and on the goal line.
His poise has also been impressive. Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan gave him the highest praise, saying, "Johnson has played like a nine-year vet this week at the Shrine Bowl practices.”
RB Deshawn Fenwick, Oregon State
Fenwick, a 6’2”, 222-pound running back out of the state of Florida, spent three seasons with the Beavers after transferring from South Carolina, where he averaged 5.3 yards per carry for his career and scored 16 touchdowns. He has big-back size but also can catch the ball out of the backfield.
He has impressed at Shrine Bowl practices. It is difficult to see his combination of size, athleticism, and skill as a running back and not be intrigued by what he can bring. The Giants do not have a bigger running back option in their stable, so Fenwick could be an interesting back end of the draft option.
OG/C Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
McCormick has flown under the radar to many scouts and media members who focus on the FBS, but those who cover the FCS know that McCormick was a pivotal part of the Jackrabbits ascent to FCS supremacy.
His size and athleticism were never questioned, but some evaluators wanted to see how he would hold up against the strength of the elite interior linemen. He showed the power to not only control but dominate.
He also displayed versatility, showing he could play center as well. Powerful interior linemen with versatility should perk up the ears of any Giants fan.
ILB Kalen Deloach, Florida State
Size will always be a knock on Deloach, who is listed at 5’11” and a little over 200 pounds, but in today's NFL, he has the tangible and intangible skills that coaches crave.
Besides being one of the most athletic linebackers, if not the most, throughout the week, his intelligence, work ethic, and leadership were evident from when he arrived in Frisco.
Deloach has a nose for the football that allows him to diagnose plays quickly, and the athleticism to beat would be second-level blockers to the point. These are traits that will also make him a potentially great special teamer. He has been consistently on the tongues of media members and in the sights of scouts.
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