2014 East-West Shrine Game Recap

The East team led by EIU's prolific quarterback, Jimmy Garoppollo, won the game 23-13. Who won and lost in the eyes of scouts and GMs during the week and the game?

Winners

QB Jimmy Garoppolo EIU (EAST)

- Garoppolo definitely could have claimed to have won the practice sessions and the game itself. During the week, he garnered a Senior Bowl invite, becoming one of the last picks to make it in after the news that Alabama QB AJ McCarron is skipping the Senior Bowl broke. The game itself was one of his masterpieces. He was impressive on all of his throws and proved that he isn't just a deep ball specialist. Garoppolo showed off his arm and great touch throughout his limited snap count, going 9 for 11 and 100 yards at one point. He proved the hype is real this week. Garopollo possesses one of the more compact deliveries and the ball just explodes out of his hand. He also has one of the better feet in the class. It will be interesting to see him compete in a bigger environment such as the Senior Bowl next week.

RB Ben Malena Texas A&M (WEST)

- The Texas A&M standout proved that he just wasn't Johnny Manziel's running mate but a good runner himself. Malena showed off a quick burst and good vision for his carries. It's such a shame that he had to sit behind Seattle's Christine Michael and Kansas City's Cyrus Gray. Look for Malena to gather some more hype heading towards the draft.

WR Jeremy Gallon Michigan (EAST)

- Gallon reportedly had a good week of practice, catching everything in sight. As for the game, he was severely limited by the struggles of Jordan Lynch. He could be an interesting weapon in the slot given his size (5'8 190) and in the return game.

WR Chandler Jones SJSU (WEST)

- Jones had a good game, being targeted frequently and catching most of his passes. It will be interesting to see if he can translate outside of the pop gun SJSU offense and without David Fales.

DL Jason Bromley Syracuse (EAST)

- Bromley was a force to be reckoned with, breaking up a pass and was in the West backfield more than the West team was. He projects as a classic 3-4 nose tackle that eats up everything moreso in the Vince Wilfork model moreso than Haloti Ngata's pass rush ability.

DL Will Clarke West Virginia and DL Ethan Westbrooks DL West Texas A&M (EAST)

- These two made a ton of money this week. Both were involved in several quarterback hurries and collected 3 sacks between the two of them. Clarke is a big 3-4 end guy in the form of Calais Campbell (both are in the 6'6 range). Westbrooks has a nonstop motor and was monstrous in two years, collecting 30 sacks and many tackle for loss.

DB Phillip Gaines Rice (EAST)

- Granted, the defense is really limited given the rules in these all star games but Gaines stood out regardless. He was physical and showed good enough pass defense skills. Gaines had a good showing. Look for him to climb the boards as the process continues.

Losers

ATH Jordan Lynch NIU (EAST)

- Lynch struggled mightily in the game, often overthrowing his targets and when on actually target, throwing it to the other team. He threw picks on consecutive drives. Lynch needs to change positions immediately after that dismal performance at quarterback. He's a really poor man's Kordell Stewart (yeah I'm that old) with half of the passing ability.

RB Raijon Neal Tennessee (EAST)

- Neal looked hesitant and slow in hitting the open lanes. Yeah I know these games are not conducive to running backs as they are rotated heavily but Neal looked slow.

The West Quarterbacks

- Keith Wenning (Ball State) looked like the best of the bunch but even he struggled a bit after starting out hot. Notre Dame's Tommy Rees showed nothing but reportedly is a great teammate. Washington's Keith Price wasn't much better, either although he can use injury as an excuse.