Originally Published: January 18, 2012

Shrine Buzz: Big names trending down

Scouts Inc.

Day 3 of practice for the East-West Shrine game saw heavy rains move in during the afternoon session, limiting what the West team was able to do and making it tough to get an accurate read on the action.


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Shrine Game Stock Up

Miami WR Laron Byrd
Byrd got off to an interesting start when he misread a coach's instruction during a drill and flat-out ran over the coach, but he took the ensuing coaching well and went on to have a good day. He used his size (6-35, 224) to his advantage on Day 3 -- at one point going over Presbyterian CB Justin Bethel to high-point a ball and make a nice catch in the end zone -- and Byrd did not allow cornerbacks to push him around in press coverage during red-zone drills. And while he's not a burner with elite top-end speed, Byrd did flash the ability to get downfield and threaten coverage vertically.
-- Steve Muench

Regina (Canada) DT Akiem Hicks
Hicks stood out on Day 3 thanks to his combination of size (6-45, 324), athleticism and natural power. He flashed quick, violent hands during bag drills, used quickness and strength to get initial surge when playing the run, and at was seen stacking up a double-team block during run-game drills. Hicks has long arms (35.1 inches) to go with his strong hands, and while he is a raw prospect he has looked as good as any lineman on either roster with his impressive tools and considerable upside.
-- Kevin Weidl

Shrine Game Stock Down

Southern Miss QB Austin Davis
Nothing came easy for Davis on Day 3. He made poor decisions as a passer and had three balls intercepted, and his accuracy was spotty all day. Davis was high on a fade route and skipped a shorter throw off the ground, and he was constantly checking down to underneath receivers, perhaps trying to avoid exposing his inability to drive the ball downfield. And while Davis is known for his mobility and ability to create plays with his legs, he did not look comfortable rolling to his right. He just never got into a rhythm and was off in pretty much every area.
-- Steve Muench

Miami C Tyler Horn
Horn has decent size at 6-36 and 308 pounds, but he lacks a good inline power base and did not show enough quickness. His lack of strength was exposed when he was knocked off the ball on several occasions, and Horn failed to sustain and fell off too many blocks. With his short arms (32.2 inches) and small hands defensive linemen find it easier to get to his body, and Horn will struggle to anchor against bigger NFL defensive linemen. He's definitely a free-agent-type prospect.
-- Kevin Weidl