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As the longest running college all-star game in the nation, the East-West Shrine Game has been woven into America's football tradition for 90 years. The game gives players a chance to impress scouts and coaches in hopes of being drafted by a team. Which players impressed in the 2015 East-West Shrine Game?
Za'Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky
6'5", 265 lbs
Smith entered the game touted as the best player, and by the end it was evident he was. Smith is Kentucky's "other" defensive end as he plays opposite of first round talent Alvin Dupree. But Smith is still a very good player and it showed in the East-West Shrine Game as he was relentless with his pass rush and constant pressure. He recorded two tackles, one for a loss, and applied pressure that led to an interception. While Smith did not have much of a chance to show off his pass rush skills at Kentucky because he played inside as a 4-3 end, he was constantly after quarterbacks in the All Star Game. Smith is regarded as a top 100 player and is projected a third to fourth round pick.
Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami
6'4", 275 lbs
Chickillo was lined up opposite of Smith and the East defensive line dominated Saturday because of their play. Chickhillo was a five-star prospect out of High School but he failed to live up to the hype and his production has dropped every year at Miami. But after a strong week of practice in which Chickillo showed off his relentlessness and tenacity in almost every drill this week according to Daniel Jeremiah, "I can see him being a mid-round pick who will be around a long time," his stock may begin to rise.
Josh Shaw, CB, USC
6'1", 200 lbs
Shaw entered the year regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in college football. But in late August, Shaw was suspended when he fabricated a story to explain how he suffered two high ankle sprains as a result of jumping from the balcony of his third-story apartment following an argument with his girlfriend. USC reinstated him in late November and Shaw played in the final three games of the season.
But in the East-West Shrine game, he showed his talent and impressed. Shaw made a great play on a deep pass down the left sideline where he showed great speed and broke up the pass. In the second quarter, he had an end-zone interception when he ripped the ball out of Devin Gardner's hands. While his summer incident will drop his stock, Shaw has great size and tools to be a successful cornerback in the NFL and he showed it Saturday.
John Miller, G, Louisvile
6'3", 315 lbs
After receiving strong reviews throughout a week of practices, Miller's play translated as he dominated in the run game. He plays with a great base and has power in the run game. Miller is projected as a third or fourth round pick by Daniel Jeremiah. Miller was a four year starter at Louisville.
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