Kevin Koger caught only one pass for eight yards in Saturday’s
East-West Shrine game, but he impressed during the week leading up to the event and is the first player mentioned in
a Sports Illustrated article identifying the game’s 10 best practice performers. Koger played fullback and H-back for the West, notching a key block on Tyler Hansen’s quarterback draw touchdown run and showing some awareness by picking up a botched snap exchange. SI writer Tony Pauline has this to say about the four-year starter:
“Koger was lost for much of the past three seasons in a Michigan offense that had little use for a tight end, but he displayed NFL ability in a big way. Koger was a dominant blocker all practice long, stopping opponents dead in their tracks. He made a terrific 25-yard reception down the seam in scrimmage, displaying natural pass catching skills. Koger lacks the foot speed to be a true down field threat, but at a position that’s thin on talent in April’s draft, he could be the biggest sleeper of them all.”
SI’s list of practice standouts also praises Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater and Michigan State wide receiver BJ Cunningham. Junior Hemingway wasn’t mentioned in the article, and he didn’t get to play in the Shrine Game, either, due to a hamstring injury. Koger’s West team won the game, 24-17.
Michael Shaw tried to turn some NFL heads while playing in the
Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game in Tuscon, Arizona last week. His Stars (East) team was defeated on a late touchdown from the Stripes (West), 24-21, but Shaw
gained 29 yards on seven carries in the game, including a 16 yard run. In an
interview with the Tuscon Citizen, Shaw spoke positively of Rich Rodriguez, saying that he expects his former coach to compete well against Oregon and USC in the Pac 12. He also spoke about his running style and what he’s trying to prove to NFL scouts.
“I want to show them that I’m an every-down back. I have speed, but I don’t want speed to be my crutch. I love to run inside. I love to be physical.”
Martavious Odoms caught one pass for 23 yards in the Battle of Florida All-Star Game. His South team, coached by Miami Hurricanes legend Howard Schnellenberger, was rolled, 51-3, by Bobby Bowden’s North squad. Marell Evans was scheduled to compete in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, but no statistics appear to be available for him (EDIT: According to Evans’s Twitter, he made 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass breakup. -Thunder).
