To the untrained eye, the East/West Shrine Game might appear like an NFL players and coaches convention.
Throughout this week at the Methodist Training Center, pro scouts and coaches, as well as many Texans players, have been filing in and out of the practice facility while catching up with old friends and keeping a watchful eye on some of the top collegiate players in the nation.
Since the Texans don't begin official strength and conditioning workouts until the end of March, players have a lot of free time. Some of the Texans seen on the sideline this week include defensive end Anthony Weaver, tight end Owen Daniels, wide receiver André Davis, linebacker Shawn Barber, defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina, tackle Charles Spencer, running back Chris Taylor and safety Jason Simmons.
Just a quick observation, but the size difference between the college players and their pro counterparts is incredible. Even with their pads on, most of the college players seem miniature compared to the average NFL player at their respective position. It just goes to show how much work it takes in the weight room for college players to earn a living on the next level.
Despite any of the players' size obstacles, history has proven that many of the participants in the East/West Shrine Game will be chosen in the NFL draft come April. In fact, during the practices preceding the East/West Shrine Game last year is when the Texans took a good look at former Lane College wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who the team selected with their third-round draft pick.
In fact, for those fans interested, Jones will be honored at the Shrine Game on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. at University of Houston's Robertson Stadium. Jones will be at an autograph session prior to the scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff and then be recognized around the first break of the first quarter. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting ShrineGame.com or by calling 713-GO-COOGS.
Check back later this week for some of my picks for the standout players at the East/West Shrine Game.
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