Arlington, Texas – The 100th East-West Shrine Bowl took place Thursday night, and it was an exciting showdown, with the East squad triumphing over the West with a dominant 25-0 victory. This marked the first shutout in the annual all-star game’s history since 1969, showcasing the East’s impressive defensive performance.
As players took the field at the iconic AT&T Stadium, they brought their best skills in front of scouts and fans alike. The game was the culmination of a week filled with practices and showcasing talent, as prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft aimed to make a lasting impression.
Among the standout players was Chism, a 5-foot-10 1/8, 195-pound wide receiver with roots from the same school as NFL star Cooper Kupp. He impressed with his quick release, sharp routes, and strong hands throughout the game. In one notable moment, Chism demonstrated remarkable athleticism by hurdling a safety, and he was effective as a return specialist, quickly getting upfield on special teams.
Croskey-Merritt, weighing in at 206 pounds and standing 5-foot-10 1/2, made his presence felt after an injury-shortened 2024 season. He rushed for 97 yards and tallied two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to battle through tackles and reach the end zone with skillful runs, including an impressive hesitation move to freeze a defender.
Herring, a versatile player who previously donned the uniforms of Dartmouth and Delaware, showed he can compete at higher levels. He made a critical interception in the second quarter and delivered a jaw-dropping hit that jarred the ball loose from a receiver.
Additionally, Ponder shone on defense, recording a sack and contributing to a pick-six during the game. His agility and ability to disrupt plays kept the West’s offense on their toes. Meanwhile, Williams made some crucial defensive stops, showing his toughness and instinct, which left scouts with plenty to note as they evaluate prospects for the upcoming draft.
The East-West Shrine Bowl certainly delivered a showcase of talent, and with the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner on April 24 in Green Bay, it’s only the beginning of the evaluation process for these promising players.
