Shrine Bowl Combine Observations (Part 2)

Thomas Grant July 14, 2024 @ 12:00 PM

WEST COLUMBIA | Even for All-Star games like the Shrine Bowl or Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl, certain positions require extra attention.   While there's seemingly an abundance of talent available, the head coaches often choose players who fit a specific role to make the whole operation run smoothly. This sometimes opens an opportunity for a player who would otherwise get overlooked in favor of another with better statistics and credentials.   Here's a list of those positions and the players expected to get a closer look as the time to release the official Shrine Bowl list in September draws closer.   RUNNING BACKS   [player_tooltip player_id='1157761' first='Mason' last='Picket-Hicks'] South Pointe   At 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, he possesses breakaway speed out of the backfield. He's also a threat whether off screen passes or lining up at wide receiver.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012718' first='TyDarion' last='Grier'] Fairfield Central   The 5-foot-10, 182-pound rising senior provides speed and versatility. He rushed for 609 yards and three touchdowns, had 30 receptions for 437 yards and two touchdowns and provided the Griffins with a lethal weapon as a kick returner.   WIDE RECEIVERS   [player_tooltip player_id='1253894' first='Zoom' last='Jackson'] Lamar (pictured bottom)   A fitting first name for the 5-foot-8, 135-pounder. It seems as though his speed goes to another level when he grabs the football. Even in a run-oriented offense like the Silver Foxes, teams are wary to keep him from beating the defense deep on a long pass.   [player_tooltip player_id='1359164' first='Amarii' last='King'] Brookland-Cayce   The former state champion basketball player at Cardinal Newman is suiting up with the Bearcats for his senior year. At 6-foot-2 and 188 pounds, he runs clean, fast routes and his long arms makes him a challenge to defend one-on-one.   LINEBACKERS   [player_tooltip player_id='605522' first='Andrew' last='Ruppe'] Gaffney   The active, athletic 6-foot-2, 225-pound rising senior is the type of disrupter the coaches want on the field. Interceptions is his specialty with 11 last season and two forced fumbles from the middle linebacker position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012706' first='Josh' last='Smith'] Dutch Fork   A sack machine for the Class 5A champion Silver Foxes. With a team-high 20 at defensive end, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith has been clocked at 4.65 seconds in the 40, can squat 460 pounds and is fast enough to cover a large amount of space.   DEFENSIVE BACKS   [player_tooltip player_id='1012606' first='Elgin' last='Sessions'] Dutch Fork   The West Virginia commit has been a staple in the Silver Foxes' secondary the past three seasons. At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, his ability to play at cornerback, safety and even spur linebacker serves a great value for an All-Star team looking to fill more than one need on the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012621' first='Devin' last='Geronomi'] White Knoll   A key player in the secondary for the Class 5A state runner-up Timberwolves. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound rising senior had 64 tackles and blanketed the secondary at cornerback and free safety. He also had two blocked punts on special teams and has had strong showings at previous combine camps.   PLACEKICKERS   [player_tooltip player_id='1158026' first='Tripp' last='Bryant'] River Bluff, Grady Dangerfield James Island and [player_tooltip player_id='1253927' first='Jacob' last='Adams'] West Ashley   All three kickers averaged about 40 yards on their four punt attempts. Each also showed a high accuracy and strong legs from a distance on their field goal attempts. Both the Shrine Bowl and Touchstone Energy Bowl teams should benefit from any of the prospective candidates.

WEST COLUMBIA | Even for All-Star games like the Shrine Bowl or Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl, certain positions require extra attention.