The first practices for the East West Shrine Game are in the books and both teams turned in a solid first day, albeit an abbreviated session. The East team will do their work at Shorecrest Preparatory School for their practice week and today was a solid session for the coaching staff and a number of players.

WR Kermit Whitfield, Florida State – The diminutive Seminole is a proven kick return ace and a dynamic ball carrier in the open field. He has rare movement skills featuring excellent change of direction and phenomenal stopping/starting ability. His best position is at the slot due to his size limitations but his top end speed, lateral explosion and acceleration make him an appealing player to a speed deficient team in need of a Tyreek Hill or Tyler Lockett type of option as a kick returner as well as offensive weapon, more than a designated wide receiver. The kid was running at a different clip today.

WR Gehrig Dieter, Alabama – The guy is one of the more well traveled receivers in this game having started off his career at Southern Methodist, transferred to Bowling Green and finished up in Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide. Dieter is an outstanding blocker, he has strong hands and showed off some impressive change of direction for a big bodied receiver. He looked crisp in and out of his breaks and high pointed a couple of passes, attacking the ball and getting turned upfield quick. He plays special teams, he doesn’t take plays off and he showed that he belongs here despite being a late addition.

TE Scott Orndoff, Pittsburgh – I liked what I saw during the year with Orndoff and he showed of some movement skills as well as hands today. He did double clutch a deep route that he beat safety Jamal Carter on and it cost him the catch after Carter stripped it but in fairness, Orndoff did get open against an athletic safety. The Panthers’ end has adequate length and makes really nice adjustments to the football. Twice today, he was able to locate the ball, make the adjustment, turn his shoulders and haul in the pass. He’s not a plus athlete or a dominating blocker but this guy can move, he can get open and he has the ball skills to make the difference.

C Cameron Tom, Southern Mississippi – Cam Tom showed up and turned in a solid first day of drills with some nice pop out of his stance and great balance through his work today. He keeps his feet driving through contact, he exchanged between opponents quickly and has power in his punch. Athletically he appears to be a step ahead, he slides, he jabs and flashes some real quickness out of that big body. I’ll admit that I underestimated his movement skills.

G Kyle Kalis, Michigan – The guy is just a football player that passes the hearing test, meaning I turned around and took note when he started striking pads. He transitions his weight well and appeared to get stronger from pad to pad, at least he certainly didn’t lose steam. He’s got a nice lower half and a nasty streak, taking Javancy Jones’ helmet off in the seven on nine running drills. Kalis looks the part with adequate guard size, nice feet and a strong jab. He’s a Sunday player.

CB Jack Tocho, North Carolina State – Long corner, nice reaction speed and range from this cover man. He was right on top of Quincy Adeboyejo on a curl route, he was glued on DeAngelo Yancey during a one on one and showed off why he belongs on the All Star circuit. He is a bit high cut as far as build but makes up for that with his diagnostics. The kid does a great job of reacting, turning and blowing up. He didn’t win every drill or anything but he’s a player to monitor going forward because of his size and length.

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