Wednesday was the third day of practice before Saturday’s East West Shrine Game, and being the last day in full pads it might have been the last chance these players had to separate themselves from the crowd before Saturday’s game. Here is who stood out on defense on day three.
EAST TEAM
DE Michael Dogbe – Temple
It was another day of talent standing out from the trenches for the East team, and perhaps no one showed out more than Michael Dogbe, a defensive end out of Temple.
Dogbe absolutely shredded his blockers in the one-on-one period and his dominance continued into the team scrimmages.
Here are back to back plays where he flexed a quick rip move to beat his blocker.
@Temple_FB DL Michael Dogbe had a few great reps during 1-on-1's pic.twitter.com/2fIfPVtWvq
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
Another impact play from @Temple_FB DL Michael Dogbe to penetrate and draw the penalty. pic.twitter.com/kKIEhRhvQ5
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
And in addition to his pass rushing skills, here is a video of Dogbe breaking through the offensive line during the team’s scrimmage period to get to the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage.
Another video of @Temple_FB DL Michael Dogbe (#90). This time he breaks through in a team scrimmage to reach the ball carrier in the backfield. pic.twitter.com/D2Qa1ivChL
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
DE Mathieu Betts – Laval
Mathieu Betts, the defensive end out of the University of Laval in Quebec, has shown bright spots throughout the first couple of practice days but really seemed to take a step forward today.
Much like Dogbe, Betts excelled during the team’s one-on-one period and repeatedly used a quick, powerful swim move to beat off-balanced tackles.
Laval DE Mathieu Betts gets the pressure. pic.twitter.com/ehBKMIs2cQ
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
And from 1-on-1's, here's a quick swim move from Laval DE Mathieu Betts to beat his blocker. pic.twitter.com/og0WUlx2ij
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
Betts is a former teammate of Bucs’ tight end Antony Auclair, who also played at the Shrine Game before landing with Tampa Bay.
CB Derrick Baity Jr. – Kentucky
Derrick Baity Jr. – a Tampa native – was an interesting name returning home for the Shrine Game but has had inconsistent play. He’s shown moments of great coverage ability against some of the better receivers in attendance while also showing lapses that make it hard to truly evaluate him, but he had a solid final day of full-padded practice and was able to come away with an interception during the East squad’s scrimmage.
At 6’3”, 188 pounds Baity could afford to add a little weight if he has a chance to play at the next level, but he’ll be a name to watch when he lines up on Saturday.
WEST TEAM
LB Justin Hollins – Oregon
Upon first glance linebacker Justin Hollins – who is unofficially listed at 6’5”, 242 pounds – doesn’t flat out look big enough to play linebacker at the next level, let alone an edge guy, but looks can be deceiving.
His size to the eye could be deceiving due to his height, but looking at him he’s tall and long and he doesn’t appear to be an imposing figure on the field. He also stuffed the line great at Oregon and led the team in tackles for loss with 14.5 and sacks with 6.5, while adding an interception, in 2018.
He’s got strength and speed and showed some off today.
Oregon LB Justin Hollins beats his man again off the edge, but Fresno QB Marcus McMaryion is able to step up and escape the pressure. pic.twitter.com/Kyw0qIQSnZ
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
@oregonfootball LB Justin Hollins beats his blocker and nearly gets to the QB. pic.twitter.com/sFH35SnVIN
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
CB Mazzi Wilkins – USF
Mazzi Wilkins is a local guy – born in Tampa, played his college ball at USF – and was added to the Shrine Game roster after an injury freed up space on the West team.
Wilkins had to rush to even make it back to Tampa for Wednesday’s practice, but was able to show off some skills in the only practice he’ll have this week in full pads.
At 6’0” and listed at 155 pounds Wilkins is severely undersized, but showed in college and at practice today that he plays fast and more physical than his weight would show.
Here he comes back and lays a hit to break up the pass.
#USF DB Mazzi Wilkins with the pass breakup. pic.twitter.com/1IQLkPusya
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019
And on this play, one of his first plays of the day lined up in a scrimmage, he’s able to flip his hips back inside, use his speed to recover on the slant route and nearly come up with the interception.
#USF DB Mazzi Wilkins nearly comes up with the INT. pic.twitter.com/fVPDiXEBkP
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 16, 2019