Four Oregon State football players will take part in Shrine Game

By Cliff Kirkpatrick

Gazette-Times Reporter

Several Oregon State football players hope to confirm positive opinions about them and maybe surprise some people this week heading into the annual East-West Shrine Game.

Four Beavers are in the postseason all-star game at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Houston. Cornerback Brandon Hughes leads the way along with defensive end Victor Butler, wide receiver Sammie Stroughter and safety Al Afalava.

The week of practice leading up to the game is an opportunity for NFL scouts to take a close look at prospects and get to know them. The contest showcases their athletic ability against others of their caliber.

"Everybody has seen these guys play," said someone incolved in the scouting process. "But at these all-star games they could change the perception of themselves with a really good, or bad, showing."

Hughes is the top prospect from the Beavers in the game, the expert said. He's a speedy 5-foot-11, 178-pound cornerback, which is a good size for his position.

NFL Draft Countdown rates him the 27th best senior corner in April's draft. Fellow OSU cornerback Keenan Lewis is rated 12th.

"Hughes is not as big as Lewis, but he has been so productive and tough," the scouting expert said. "The other thing he has going for him is his leadership."

After three-plus seasons as a starter, Hughes turned his attention to training for this game and any opportunity to work out for a team.

He started his career as a wide receiver, but converted to corner after his redshirt season. Hughes took his lumps early but evolved into a well-rounded player.

"I'm looking forward to the competition," Hughes said. "It's a good chance to compete. There are a lot of guys who are going to be playing for a variety of reasons. The most important one is to impress the scouts, so the competition is going to be up there. I'm going to have to bring my A-game, and exhibit that fire I need."

Stroughter is an interesting prospect. He has been a productive receiver and a dynamic punt returner, making him NFL Draft Countdown's 11th best senior receiver in the draft.

The biggest obstacles for him to overcome are the medical tests and interviews after suffering a bruised kidney in 2007 and his well-documented emotional breakdown that same year when several loved ones passed away.

"He has been real effective as a receiver and returning punts," the scouting expert said. "NFL teams are always looking for guys who can do a lot of different things."

Butler is an undersized defensive end at 6-2, 238 pounds, but may be looked at as an outside linebacker in the pros. He's fast and hits hard.

If he stays at end he could be a pass-rush specialist and a key special teams player. Butler has experience in both those roles with the Beavers.

Afalava can stop the run, but needs to show he can cover standout receivers regularly. He did more of that this past season but a good showing this game is important to him.

He's still considered the 20th best safety in the draft. Special teams may be where he gets an opportunity.

"This is an important time for those two to see if they can make the jump," the expert said. "Butler might be looked at as a linebacker, and Afalava's coverage skills will be checked out carefully."