Well, now that the dust has settled from the 2017 East-West Shrine Game at The Trop on Saturday afternoon, it is time to give the final verdict (from this particular event anyway) on how our local prospects fared in competition. There were a total of five local players on the rosters for the game, and while we did not get the opportunity to see the full compliment play in the event due to injury, we did get to see three of those five make significant contributions.

Former Pasco High School standout and University of Florida defensive tackle Joey Ivie IV, Strawberry Crest and Samford University All-Time leading receiver Karel Hamilton along with Armwood and University of Southern California safety Leon McQuay III gave us what we needed and here is a quick breakdown of what is, and what could be ahead for these guys trying to reach the ultimate level of their career.

Ivie IV’s day was very disruptive to say the least–which is EXACTLY what scouts–over 100 of them in attendance this past weekend and practice week–wanted to see from the former Gator. Ivie IV was credited with three tackles, one for loss and a sack that almost led to a safety on the play. The 6-3/298 defensive tackle’ frame puts him at bigger-than or in the same-frame with studs like the LA Rams’ Aaron Donald (6-1/285), Minnesota’s Everson Griffin (6-3/273) and Seattle’s Cliff Avril (6-3/260) who are considered beasts along the front. Ivie IV’s landing spot will be determined by a coach or staff that runs a four man front that is also blitz-heavy that would allow him to be lined up in man-to-man situations. That sort of scenario is tailor-made for someone of Ivie IV’s skill set.

Karel Hamilton’s day finished with just two catches, but they were spectacular catches and they were for the most yards of any other receiver in the game at the end of the day. Hamilton’s job was to make impact plays at ‘Crest and Samford, and make impact plays on Saturday is what continued to due with a downright circus-style catch on his second reception that showcased his ability to adjust to the ball in-flight and with coverage pressed on him. Although we would have wanted to see him run some more intermediate routes to showcase his frame (6-1/202) and his possession skills in traffic. Hamilton will get some serious looks with a frame that’s identical to DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper. While he may have shown he’s got a flair for the dramatic with those catches, make no mistake, he is a bonafide possession receiver and the frame (and resume at Samford) speaks for itself.

Leon McQuay III’s afternoon looked like it was going to end before the game itself ended with him being helped off the field barely on his own power. Not to be confused with someone who’s going out like THAT, Leon was back on the sideline bugging coaches to go into the game literally a handful of plays later. McQuay III re-entered the contest and although credited with just two tackles, he was spotted numerous times completely locking down his receiver in open space, or in the general vicinity of double-digit tackles when adjusting to the play. In other words, L3’s ability to cover or play down in the box is precious to defensive coordinators throughout the league. His frame is perfect for a strong safety, but he can play free if you need him. Could he have some Kenny Vaccaro or Reshad Jones in him? How about both? While those may be lofty comparisons right now, we are talking about frame. We already know the football IQ plus the size of the dawg in L3’s fight which means he just needs a shot to show he can compete at that elite level, which he will get.

Former Lakewood stud and University of Toledo/University of South Florida wide receiver