2024 Shrine Bowl: Top Observations from Day 2 as defensive linemen take center stage

FRISCO, TEXAS — Florida State defensive lineman Fabien Lovett set the tone for the East team on the first play during the 11-on-11 portion of practice.

Lovett lined up across from Kansas State left guard Kaitori Leveston. On the snap, Lovett got past Leveston and then the 6-foot-3, 307-pound defensive lineman engulfed Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo and tossed him to the ground.

The coaches took a brief pause between the next play to remind everyone that tackling still isn’t allowed.

There were plenty of other highlight plays from Day 2 of the East-West Shrine Bowl practices. Here are some of the top takeaways.

Defensive line applies pressure

There were several defensive linemen in both practices that made some notable plays. Lovett had several other reps throughout the practice that showcased his get-off and ability to take on blocks.

Colorado State edge rusher Mo Kamara wrecked the offense in the red zone toward the end of the East practice. He had three consecutive plays rushing against the right tackle that could’ve been credited with a sack. He showed a quick get-0ff and bend around the edge. On one of his reps, he displayed great hustle and tracked the quarterback from the opposite side to get a quarterback pressure.

UCLA defensive lineman Grayson Murphy deflected a screen pass during the team period. Murphy timed his jump perfectly and hit the ball into the air. His twin brother, Gabriel, showed some versatility rushing from a two-point stance from both sides.

Iowa defensive lineman Logan Lee had himself a good practice. In one on ones, he used his power to beat South Dakota State offensive lineman Mason McCormick. Late during the team period, he beat Holy Cross lineman CJ Hanson and would’ve been credited with a sack on the rep.

Wide receiver vs. defensive backs

• Isaiah Williams ran an pivot route against Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones during one on ones. Williams made a diving catch to secure the ball.
• Maryland cornerback Tarheeb Still got himself an interception against Oklahoma receiver Drake Stoops. Still had great coverage on the corner route and picked off the pass.
• Oregon State Anthony Gould won his rep against Jones on an in-breaking route. Gould beat Jones again on a fade route in the left corner of the end zone.
• Williams made a reception during the 11-on-11 portion of practice and stretched out before heading out of bounds to reach for the first-down marker. Williams took a hit, but was credited with moving the chains.
• USC receiver Tahj Washington caught a pass over the middle of the field and did a good job of coming back to the football to make the reception.

Other Observations

• UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau blew up Tennessee running back Jabari Small on a run play. Mississippi State defensive lineman Nathan Pickering did get penetration on the play and Muasau benefited and finished the rep.
• Miami center Matt Lee had a good block on Auburn defensive lineman Justin Rogers that helped allow for a reception to be made on the right sideline.
• Wyoming linebacker Easton Gibbs intercepted a pass in the red zone and had a good shot of a pick-6.
• Memphis running back Blake Watson lowered his shoulder on Tulane safety Jarius Monroe. The physicality took a step up during the second practice.
• During special teams, USC Tahj Washington lined up as a gunner and a jammer. He showed really good effort from both positions and gave an honest look on the reps because he went full speed.
  

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