Oklahoma OG Febechi Nwaiwu concluded a productive week playing center for the first time. Despite some inconsistencies with footwork during the week, Texas A&M DT Tyler Onyedim -an Iowa State transfer- flashed the same quickness that allowed him to record five tackles and three tackles for loss against Texas in 2025. Onyedim's pass rush variety needs work, but his suddenness and length translates well for the next level.
The West team practice sessions at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl were led by Dallas Cowboys coach Lunda Wells. The longtime tight ends coach has tutored Evan Engram, Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson. The West squad featured a quartet of intriguing quarterback prospects. The nation’s second-leading receiver in yards per game complemented that group.
In our photo gallery recap, we review a number of prospects who could make NFL rosters this fall.
Safety Miles Scott -a former WR at Illinois- provides good coverage on a constested catch from former Southeastern Louisiana QB Bauer Sharp. Sharp -now a tight end at LSU- stood out in receiving drills on Day 1 of the West team's first practice.
Alabama OL Jaeden Roberts (No. 77 pictured) and Wake Forest OL Fa'alili Fa'amoe (No. 79 pictured) run through OL drills during Day 1 of the West practice session. Roberts impressed with his anchor, while Fa'amoe had excellent moments offset by concentration lapses.
UCLA OL Garrett DiGiorgio and UCF DE Malachi Lawrence -two of the week's best performers- go at it in a one-on-one run blocking drill on Day 1. DiGiorgio -a 49-game starter in school- played up-and-down the OL (RG, LT, RT) during practices. It continued a theme from UCLA.
Despite standing 5-foot-9, Iowa all-purpose threat Kaden Wetjen packs a punch with major burst. Wetjen, seen finding the wall on a left return in practice on Day 1, averaged 17 yards per punt return in his career. He had his moments on Day 1 as a receiver in the slot, but slowed down as the week went on in that regard.
Wisconsin OT Riley Mahlman allows New Mexico DE Keyshawn James-Newby to get inside of him on a Day 1 OL-DL pass rush drill. Mahlman (6
8, 304), sporting an 80 1/2-inch wingspan, started 32 games at right tackle and 11 games (all in 2025) at the left tackle spot.
A competitive battle ensued between Texas A&M OG Ar'maj Reed Adams (6'5, 317) and Miami (Fla.) DT David Blay, Jr. (6'2, 302). Blay, Jr. -a three-time transfer (Truman, West Chester, Louisiana Tech)-displays a strong anchor at the point of attack. Adams-Reed, conversely, posted a number of reps winning to a spot on zone blocking schemes.
SE Louisiana DL Kaleb Proctor (pictured doing bag drills on Day 1) led a nationally-ranked Top 10 defensive unit in 2025. Proctor's quickness and hand manipulation shined at various interior defensive line positions during the week.
UConn's Skyler Bell (5'11, 187) attempts to make Houston RB Dean Connors and Wisconsin safety Austin Brown miss in a punt return drill. Bell, who finished second nationally in receiving yards per game (98.3), was unable to complete the week of practice due to injury.
Iowa LG Karsen Sharar (No. 43 pictured) beats Iowa State's James Neal III to the spot as Ohio State RB CJ Donaldson looks to find a hole behind Duke OL Brian Parker II. Parker II, who started 33 games at tackle in college (32 RT, 1 LT), made a successful transition to the center position all week.
Former UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano's eye speed was evident early in the week. Fagnano (6'2, 223) -a former Maine Black Bear- passed for 28 touchdowns to just one interception in 2025.
Former Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson, pictured, averaged nearly 17.9 yards per punt return (85-yd TD vs. USC) in 2025. In addition, Benson (5'11, 185) -a former Alabama and FSU wideout- averaged 16.7 yards per reception for the Ducks.
The West team defensive line featured a first-team all-conference selection from the MWC (No. 56- Keyshawn James-Newby), Big 12 (No. 2 Dontay Corleone), ACC (Caden Fordham) and the Southland Conference Defensive POY in Kaleb Proctor (No. 48 pictured).
Miami (Fla.) DT David Blay (6'2, 302) attempts to separate from Illinois OG Josh Gesky (6'5, 321) in a OL-DL run drill on Day 2 of West practices. Gesky -an Academic All-District selection- got reps at the center position during the week after starting primarily at left guard in school.
Oklahoma OG Febechi Nwaiwu concluded a productive week playing center for the first time. Despite some inconsistencies with footwork during the week, Texas A&M DT Tyler Onyedim -an Iowa State transfer- flashed the same quickness that allowed him to record five tackles and three tackles for loss against Texas in 2025. Onyedim's pass rush variety needs work, but his suddenness and length translates well for the next level.
Wyoming second-team All-MWC OL Caden Barnett (6'4 316) put together a productive week at the guard spot after playing offensive tackle in school. He was stout sitting down, and most effective on man blocks. Although he won to the spot on this rep, there were occasions when he did not get to the spot on zone cut-offs.
UCF DE Malachi Lawrence (6'4, 247) was one of the stars of the week for the West squad. Occasionally, he was engulfed in the run game, but his quickness often won to the spot versus bigger offensive linemen. He produced positive reps out of two-point and three-point stances. In addition, the former Knight displayed an ability to drop into coverage.
Ohio State RB CJ Donaldson displays his ability to jump cut off his left foot on this repetition as Illinois OG Josh Gesky ties up Miami (Fla.) DE David Blay. Donaldson -who scored 42 TDs across two stops (40 RUSH, 2 REC)- produced 11 TDs for the Buckeyes in 2025.
As Miami (Ohio) LB Jackson Kuwatch takes his curl-hook drop, UCF's Malachi Lawrence (No. 51 pictured) drops into the curl-flat zone. Oklahoma's Jaren Kanak brings his 10.6 100-meter speed up the seams. Lawrence broke up three passes this past season.
Former WVU and Ohio State RB CJ Donaldson is set to meet Miami (Ohio) LB Jackson Kuwatch one-on-one in space.
During an OL-DL two-on-two pass rush drill on Day 3, Texas DL Ethan Burke executes a late twist on FSU OT Micah Pettus as Texas A&M's Tyler Onyedim goes inside of Utah OG Jaren Kump. Burke's hands were effective all week disengaging from blockers. He finished his career at Texas with 26.5 tackles for loss, largely due to an ability to use his hands effectively to disengage from blocks.
After winning inside of UCLA OT Garrett DiGiorgio, Central Michigan Michael Heldman, pictured, attempts to tackle Houston RB Dean Connors behind the line of scrimmage. Heldman posted 34.5 career tackles for loss and plays with maximum energy at 265 pounds.
West head coach Lunda Wells (pictured middle) is a Southern graduate and current TEs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Wells played on the offensive line for the Jaguars and went on to play in the Arena Football league.
