The third practice of the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl moved indoors to Allegiant Stadium and some NFL Draft prospects certainly took to the scene change. After another terrific set of practices on Monday morning, here are the biggest risers (and one slider) from Day 3 at the Shrine Bowl.
Shrine Bowl Practice No. 2: Risers
With a couple of one-handed snags and impressive run stuffs, the risers from Day 3 hail from all over the field. Looking for what happened on Saturday and Sunday? Click for our Day 1 Shrine Bowl Risers and Sliders and our Day 2 Shrine Bowl Risers and Sliders.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland
Snagging a one-handed grab during one-on-ones, Maryland TE Chigoziem Okonkwo was dominant on Day 3. He made multiple plays during the one-on-ones as well as team drills, and he was uncoverable by linebackers. They utilized him all over the formation and from a number of alignments — and he won all the same.
Okonkwo runs like a gazelle and has sure hands at the catch point. He’s difficult to cover and also showed promise in the run game.
Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson
Making the play of the day for the defense, Clemson LB Baylon Spector showcased great coverage ability during team drills. He dropped back perfectly and read the quarterback’s eyes with ease, nabbing a leaping interception. What made it even more impressive was the fact that he made the pick with a cast on his right hand.
Spector showcased run-stuffing ability as well on numerous occasions. He was flying around the field all day long at Allegiant.
Darien Butler, LB, Arizona State
With yet another impressive performance, Darien Butler has continued to turn heads in Vegas. The Arizona State linebacker was once again dominant in the run game, making terrific reads and showcasing an ability to hit violently but maintain control. Butler is strong, fast, and makes incredibly fast (and correct) decisions.
Dallis Flowers, CB, Pittsburg State
There were moments of brilliance amid a few ticky-tack pass interference penalties for Dallis Flowers on Monday. He was great at the catch point and made the most of the targets his way. His ability to stick with receivers in coverage really stood out, as he didn’t suffer any bad beats in coverage drills.
Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska
Samori Toure looked good in one-on-one drills but even better in team drills. More specifically, he was terrific down at the goal line. Toure nabbed a touchdown on an end-zone fade, and he also ran sharp routes and showcased soft hands. It was a great day for the former Montana/Nebraska standout.
Derrick Tangelo, DL, Penn State
Though he was quiet during Days 1 and 2, Derrick Tangelo sure looks like he has taken to the NFL coaching he’s received in Vegas. His get-off has improved, as have his hands. Tangelo was quick off the ball on every rep. He completely demolished a run attempt as he blew by the tackle in front of him and reached the running back before the quarterback could even hand him the ball.
David Anenih, EDGE, Houston
Winning with athleticism is the name of David Anenih’s game, and he showcased that yet again on Monday. Whether it was one-on-ones or team drills, Anenih was terrific at Allegiant Stadium. He won quickly and showcased his hand speed on multiple occasions. Anenih’s testing numbers look like they’ll be off the charts.
Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
After putting a defender in a spin cycle, Tyquan Thornton certainly had the best day among receivers on Monday. He was terrific off the line of scrimmage and even better all along his routes. Thornton won all over the field, but his goal-line presence was felt in both one-on-ones and team drills. He has great body control, and he put on a display with his leaping ability in the end zone on multiple plays.
Trestan Ebner, RB, Baylor
Today’s NFL calls for running backs to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield — and that’s exactly what Trestan Ebner showcased on multiple occasions on Monday. In fact, he’s shown it all weekend long. He’s been a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield no matter who was at quarterback. And that’s not even discussing just how sharp he looked with great vision, quick cuts, and explosion through his breaks on the ground.
Tommy Heatherly, P, FIU
Booming multiple rockets during special-teams drills, Tommy Heatherly looked terrific on Monday. He did commit a shank, but altogether, he put on a display with his leg. Heatherly had great hang time and showcased directional kicking ability in situational drills near the end of practice.
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Shrine Bowl Practice No. 3: Sliders
It’s hard to say anyone has taken a slide since the event began. But unfortunately for one player who was late to the game, it did seem like he may have been better off watching on Monday.
Jalen McKenzie, OL, USC
Playing at a disadvantage right away, Jalen McKenzie made his Shrine Bowl debut on Monday, days after the rest of the trench players had arrived. He was beaten with ease a couple of times and looked slow off the ball. There’s certainly talent there, but it was a lackluster showing from an otherwise talented player. We’ll chalk up his sluggishness to his absence over the first two days.