2017 may be over for the Miami Hurricanes proper, but for a group of Hurricanes looking to ascend toward the NFL, it’s only the beginning; draft season is upon us.
RB Mark Walton has a head start on most of Miami’s draft hopefuls, having declared in December, prepping and rehabbing for the workouts to come. For the rest of the group, draft season will commence with participation in some college all-star games. There is a group of games that attract NFL evaluators to find the next big thing in the NFL.
One of the premiere all-star games during draft season is the East-West Shrine Game that takes place this year on January 20th in St. Petersburg, Florida, at Tropicana Stadium. The longest running college all-star event, established in 1925, the week leading up to the game has become a great tool for players to not only connect with NFL clubs and fellow draftees, but it also brings attention to the children admitted into Shriners’ Hospitals across the nation. The score of the game does not matter as much as showing up each day before practice, leaving a favorable impression on every and anyone around the event, and perhaps earning yourself an invite to that other all-star event the following week.
Confirmed East-West Shrine Game Attendees:
KC McDermott
KC McDermott/Miami lined up at left tackle and stopping Kentavius Street/NC State. One of the few able to do as much. pic.twitter.com/ZTFf5cmXlq
— Draft Analyst (@DraftAnalyst1) January 16, 2018
.@CanesFootball OT KC McDermott (62) getting some reps at guard. Here he is at LG on a stretch. pic.twitter.com/AicJVmE3QS
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 15, 2018
.@CanesFootball OT KC McDermott stones DE Marcus Martin. Martin already looking over powered... pic.twitter.com/Ftq8JMkqHQ
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 15, 2018
Chad Thomas
Congratulations to Chad Thomas on his invite to the @Shrine_Game! pic.twitter.com/LH67fJZqMk
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) December 28, 2017
Miami’s Chad Thomas producing a great first practice. Setting his edge, handling OTs in the run game.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 15, 2018
His name stood out before the week. Strong chance of being the top prospect here.
I can’t let you win this race, I need the trophy. -@KodakBlack1k pic.twitter.com/WD7yaEBgSy
— Chad Thomas (@MajorNine) January 17, 2018
.@CanesFootball DE Chad Thomas (right side) gets off the block for the sack. Not many big name edge guys here, but he's standing out so far #ShrineGame pic.twitter.com/pNRoDu5CHw
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 15, 2018
Devonta’ (Dee) Delaney
.@CanesFootball CB Dee Delaney comes up with a pick of J.T. Barrett off a deflection here.#ShrineGame pic.twitter.com/6dAKsXs0BI
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) January 16, 2018
#DeVontaDelaney #cornerback #ShrineGame #theu #miami #hurricanes pic.twitter.com/fLU5ARlHTr
— Satter's Sports Talk (@SatterSportTalk) January 17, 2018
The Rose Bowl of the draft season is the Reese’s Senior Bowl. It attracts representatives from all 32 NFL clubs and is coached by two NFL coaching staff who usually have an early first round selection. It plays into the narrative of those who view the Senior Bowl as a premier interview/scouting showcase all year. And before you ask, the Senior has now amended their rule to allow underclassmen who have declared for the NFL Draft to take part in game. You can catch Senior Bowl on January 27th in its home of Mobile, Alabama. You can catch both of these games on the NFL Network.
The following UM attendees will play for the North team next Saturday at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Confirmed Reese’s Senior Bowl Attendees:
Christopher Herndon IV
Braxton Berrios
Michael Badgley
Chad Thomas (Added to the roster this past week)
Seeing as the Shrine Game is set to kickoff 24 hours from now, why not go over the list of UM alums that have taken part in this all-star tradition.
Most Recent Shrine Game Attendees
Jamal Carter (2017). Undrafted free agent. Signed with the Broncos.
Stacy Coley (2017). Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 7th round
Rashawn Scott (2016). Undrafted.
Deon Bush (2016). Drafted by the Bears in the fourth round.
Jonathan Feliciano (2015). Drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round.
Anthony Chickillo (2015). Drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round.
Shane McDermott (2015). Undrafted.
Allen Hurns (2014). Undrafted. Signed with the Jaguars.
Brandon McGee (2013). Drafted in the 5th round by St. Louis. Was cut in October of 2015.
Micanor Regis (2012). Undrafted.
Tyler Horn (2012). Undrafted. Worked out for Falcons, Texans and Titans.
Chase Ford (2012). Undrafted. Signed with PHI, joined the Vikings for three seasons. Claimed and waived by Ravens and Browns afterwards.
LaRon Byrd (2012). Undrafted. Stints with Cardinals, Cowboys, Browns, Dolphins, Falcons, Skins and Panthers.
DeMarcus Van Dyke (2011). Drafted by OAK in the 3rd round of the 2011 Draft.
Graig Cooper (2011). Undrafted. Signed with Eagles. Spent two seasons there.
Javarris James (2010). Undrafted. Signed with the Colts but was a final cut.Had stints with Patriots, Redskins, and Colts.
AJ Trump (2010). Undrafted. Tried out for the Steelers, cut before training camp.
*No Hurricanes went in 2008 or 2009
* Six of 17 Hurricanes to have participated in the game were selected in the subsequent NFL Draft.
The 2018 East-West Shrine Game will be coached by Oakland Raiders TE coach Bobby Johnson (West) and Cincinnati Bengals TE coach Jonathan Hayes (East).
Kickoff off for the Shrine Game will take place at 3pm.
IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!