The 100th East-West Shrine Bowl saw one team dominate, with the East squad winning, 25-0, on Thursday night in the annual all-star game's first shutout since 1969.
After a week of practices leading up to the clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, there were a handful of 2025 NFL Draft prospects that stood out to me the most with their play in the game. Each of the five players listed below, along with another dozen who deserve honorable mention, added to their résumé with the evaluation process set to play out over the next three months until the draft begins on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
NOTES:
- Heights and weights are official measurements from the event unless otherwise noted.
- Tune in for live coverage of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 27 on NFL Network and NFL+.
Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington
Coming from the same school as Cooper Kupp, it's no surprise Chism (5-foot-10 1/8, 195 pounds) showed a gamer's mentality on Thursday night. Working mostly out of the slot and winning with a quick release off the line, he displayed his trademark precise routes and strong hands. Chism also hurdled a safety to get downfield on one catch and made another grab over the middle knowing he would take a hit. The do-it-all playmaker also returned kickoffs and punts, getting upfield quickly and running tough to maximize each play.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona
Croskey-Merritt (5-10 1/2, 206) had to be hungry for a big Shrine Bowl after missing all but one game during the 2024 season due to injury, and he ate for 97 yards and two scores on 11 carries. He pressed the line hard and ran tough through tackles but also got outside and found a second gear. Even when getting hit at the line, Croskey-Merritt spun out of contact or lowered his pads and churned his legs to gain a few yards. His first score came on a hesitation move, freezing and stiff-arming LSU LB Greg Penn III in the open field before running to the corner. It was an eye-opening effort for teams in the market to pick a running back on Day 3 of the draft.
Tyron Herring, CB, Delaware
Herring (6-1, 202) played at Dartmouth and Delaware, so he needed a big week to show scouts he can make the jump to a higher level of competition. He exhibited good hands on an interception in the second quarter. Herring also had a big hit on Abilene Christian WR Blayne Taylor from off coverage, knocking the ball out after the catch. Players from FCS-level programs can get more mileage out of strong performances in all-star games, and Herring took full advantage of his opportunity.
Elijah Ponder, Edge, Cal Poly
Ponder (6-2 3/8, 257) showed off his bend, speed, spin move and quick hands throughout the game. He was a constant presence in the backfield, recording a sack and helping to set up a pick-six for South Carolina CB O'Donnell Fortune. His explosion off the ball and ability to drop into coverage give him the position versatility some NFL teams desire.
Nohl Williams, CB, California
Williams started the game strong, running down the sideline in phase with speedy Maryland WR Kaden Prather and using his off hand to knock the ball away (almost leading to an interception). He showed some physicality during the contest, forcing a reverse play inside on fourth-and-1 and wrapping up the ball-carrier for a stop. He also sniffed out a running back screen in the third quarter. Williams should continue to earn high marks based on his senior year play and efforts in the Shrine Bowl.
Honorable mention
- Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
- Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State
- O'Donnell Fortune, CB, South Carolina
- Cam Horsley, DT, Boston College
- Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami
- Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
- JJ Pegues, DT, Mississippi
- Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
- Carter Runyon, TE, Towson
- Shilo Sanders, S, Colorado
- Shamari Simmons, S, Arizona State
- Johnny Walker Jr., Edge, Missouri
