The second practice of the East team in the East-West Shrine was held in St. Petersburg, Florida inside Tropicana Field on Tuesday morning.
Florida International’s James Morgan continued his strong week and was the best quarterback on the East squad. It wasn’t even close. Morgan has a capable arm that can really drive the ball to all levels of the field. Morgan can fire the ball into tight windows with the ability to really spin it. He also throws a catchable ball able to locate it downfield with air underneath it, and the ability to loft the ball with touch. Many strong-armed quarterbacks throw flat passes as they are too reliant on their arm strength, but Morgan is not one of them, as he can vary his velocity and loft well. Morgan’s arm strength is above average and he has quality size at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds. If Morgan can continue to build and play well on Wednesday he will have really helped himself in St. Petersburg.
Florida wide receivers Josh Hammond and Freddie Swain have competed well in practice. Hammond had a nice start on Monday while Swain was doing a nice job on Tuesday. Both of them are potential fits as slot receivers. They run quality routes with quickness and an ability to get open in the middle part of the field. They could be nice late-round picks who find a way to contribute.
Charlotte running back Benny LeMay had a nice session in the blitz pickup. He had an impressive block, stonewalling Wagner linebacker Cameron Gill. If LeMay can show the ability to block and receive, he could make himself more valuable as a backup running back for the passing game.
Berry wide receiver Mason Kinsey had a nice session on Tuesday. He show some slot receiver potential with quickness and route-running. Kinsey is very short, but he is competitive and gritty.
On Monday, Ferris State defensive end Austin Edwards had an impressive session in the pass rushing one-on-ones, showing speed to get upfield and run around the corner. On Tuesday, he was not as effective including losing a rep to Wake Forest tackle Jake Benzinger, but Edwards came back to show his speed and strength getting leverage on an inside rush to charge down the pocket versus Alabama tackle Matt Womack. If Edwards plays well on Wednesday, he could earn himself at shot at being a late-round pick or priority free agent.
Auburn offensive tackle Jack Driscoll had a solid start to the week on Monday and continued that on Tuesday. He had some good reps in the pass rushing one-on-ones, including a win over Wagner linebacker Cameron Gill. Driscoll rode Gill around the pocket to mirror the speed rush. Driscoll showed some ability to move on the edge and strength to sustain blocks. He could stand to refine his technique for the NFL, but Driscoll looks a potential versatile backup that could compete at guard or tackle.
Driscoll wasn’t the only Auburn Tiger to have a nice day on Wednesday as safety Jeremiah Dinson had a good session. In the team scrimmage, he turned to run down the seam and was able to break up a deep ball intended for a tight end. Dinson was flying around the field showing some range and the ability to cover ground in coverage. He looks like he could compete to be a backup safety and special teams contributor.
WalterFootball.com will have more recaps from the East-West Shrine practices on Tuesday and Wednesday along with a run-down of the post-practice team interviews. Follow @walterfootball for updates.
