East-West Shrine Game 2012: First Day Practice Report

Scouts and media are gathered in St. Petersburg, Fla. for the East-West Shrine Game, one of the two big college All-Star games, as teams prepare for the 2012 NFL draft.

The first day of practice was uneventful overall, marked by the contrast of the coaching styles of Brad Childress (West) and Bobby Ross (East). Since it was the first day, it would be premature to start talking too much about who has been good or bad, but here are some awards from the first time these guys suited up.

Offensive Game Ball—Tim Benford (WR Tenn Tech)

Benford has good size, decent fluidity and came out of his breaks well in the first practice of the week. While the East roster seems to lack the star power of their Western counterparts, Benford had the flashiest plays and could be their one stud.

Defensive Game Ball—Josh Norman (CB Coastal Carolina)

Without a doubt, the talent level is higher this year than it was in the 2011 Shrine Game. Also, the amount of small-school cornerback talent is through the roof. Norman confused some of the onlookers by wearing a Pitt Panthers helmet through the morning practice but made a number of plays on the ball that drew "Oos" and "Ahhs" that made everyone figure out who he was really quick.

Riser of the Day Award—Dale Moss (WR South Dakota State)

Like many, I hadn’t seen this small-school prospect yet, and like many more, I was impressed at his potential during the West’s afternoon practice. The bad news is that Moss is probably a late-round developmental pick because he has lots of work to do with his route running.

However, Moss certainly looks the part of a big-time receiver. He’s a great athlete who plucks the ball well and finds it at its highest point. Once he puts it together, some lucky personnel guy is going to get a promotion.

“Try Again Tomorrow” Award—Kevin Hardy (WR, Citadel) and Tyler Hansen (QB Colorado)

When Kevin Hardy caught the ball in the East practices, it was with his body. The rest of the time, he managed to drop, slap, fight and punch a lot of very catchable balls. Hardy has some nice upside as a hardworking slot receiver, but he needs to calm down and let the game come to him.

Hansen was a solid prospect out of high school, and many were glad to see him get a chance here in Tampa. In the pros, Hansen will need to be broken down completely and have his throwing motion put back where it should be.

Jarron Gilbert Memorial Award—Kevin Koger (Michigan)

Everyone remember Gilbert jumping out of a pool on YouTube? We all do. Remember him doing something in the NFL? I think not. Gilbert showed up at the Shrine Game years back and looked the part of a great defensive linemen and fell flat on his face.

Today, Kevin Koger looked every bit the part of a top NFL tight end. Yet, the Michigan product was slow in and out of his routes and dropped a number of catchable passes.

The Golden Maple Leaf—Akiem Hicks (DL Regina)

The best player here from north of the boarder, Hicks should’ve gone to LSU, but his recruitment was sketchy (he was rumored to be paid) and his NCAA eligibility would’ve been in jeopardy, so he ended up at the University of Regina where he was an All-Star.

Hicks is big, carries his weight well and should be a lot better than he looked today at quarter-speed. A deep, deep sleeper, once we’re going full-speed in full pads, he could create a little havoc.

Michael Schottey is an NFL Associate Editor for Bleacher Report and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America. He has professionally covered both the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, as well as NFL events like the scouting combine and the Senior Bowl. Follow him on Twitter.