The East-West Shrine Game: C-USA Standouts

The East-West Shrine Game is one of the oldest and most respected of the postseason collegiate bowl games. Since 1925, the game has showcased quality players and coaches, and has generated great excitement and football action.

What makes the game so special is that it helps support Shriners Hospital for Children.

The players regard the game as special, as they learn the true purpose of their selection in a pre-game trip to Shriners Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Two C-USA selections will be participating in the East-West Shriners Game this Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Listed are the C-USA standouts for the game and how they will make an impact on the matchup's outcome.

Van Eskridge-Free Safety-East Carolina University

Senior Van Eskridge is ready to take the field this weekend in Orlando as a free safety. At 6'0, 195 lbs., Eskridge is lean, mean, and should do some optimal damage against a hearty West team.

A national honors candidate who has earned a reputation as one of the best free safeties in C-USA, if not at the FBS level, Eskridge is truly deserving of this honor to not only make an impact in children's lives but to put on a fantastic show at the Citrus Bowl.

Torrell Troup-Defensive Tackle-UCF

At 6'3 and 314 lbs., Torrell Troup is a powerhouse that will be sure to defend solidly against the West team during the Shriners game.

He is expected to start at defensive tackle when the game kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Troup had what he described as a "great week" this week, practicing in front of NFL scouts. "I blocked them out of my mind," he said, knowing that he was wise to enjoy a week that would ultimately be for the kids.

No. 98 has been working on his strength with the hottest coaches in college football this week, learning a lot to perhaps take with him to the NFL.

UCF fans are excited to see him dominate against the West offense.

Other Standout Players-East

Other standout players from the East team include Mike Kafka (Quarterback-Northwestern University), Rahim Alem (Defensive End-LSU), Richard Dickson (Fullback-LSU), Daryll Clark (Quarterback-Penn State University), Javarris James (Running Back-University of Miami), Nate Collins (Defensive Tackle-University of Virginia), and Kam Chancellor (Free Safety-Virginia Tech).

The teams in the East with the most Shrine players are Virginia Tech, Penn State University, and Clemson University.

Other Standout Players-West

Big names from the West team include Thad Turner (Cornerback-Ohio State University), Reggie Stephens (Offensive Guard-Iowa State University), Jamar Wall (Cornerback-Texas Tech University), Max Hall (Quarterback-Brigham Young University), and Dimitri Nance (Running Back-Arizona State University).

The teams representing with the most players in the West are BYU, UCLA, University of Utah, and University of Kansas.

What the Game Will Bring

The East-West Shrine Game will not only bring loads of smiles to the children of Shriners Hospital in Tampa Bay, but a great chance for fans to get back into college football one last time before Signing Day (February 3rd).

The 85th East-West Shrine Game will be held at 3 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando and will be shown on ESPN2.

Look to Jessica Dawkins on Bleacher Report for University of Central Florida signing day news.