Four Things You Missed from Kentucky Wildcats at the Shrine Game

[caption id="attachment_254701" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Shrine Game [/caption] While you were watching the Kentucky basketball team defeat Auburn, Derrick Baity and Bunchy Stallings were representing the University of Kentucky in the 94th East-West Shrine Game.  Here's what you missed from the East's 21-17 win.

1. Baity Balled

Playing in his hometown, the 6'2" cornerback started for the East and recorded four tackles, the fifth most on his team.  Baity had to get involved against the run because they rarely threw the ball his way.  He made most of his highlights during the week of practice. https://twitter.com/BigOShow/status/1085565307798867969 https://twitter.com/TheJoeMarino/status/1085549385105182720

2. Bunchy one of the Best

Kentucky's All-American did not start for the East, but that doesn't mean he did not capture the attention of scouts in the stands.  One noted that offensive line play at the Shrine Game is typically rough, yet Stallings was still one of the four best at the game. https://twitter.com/LMcGivney/status/1086871910321999872

3. Meetings with NFL Personnel

The Shrine Game is an excellent preliminary NFL Draft tryout.  Scouts get a chance to reinforce what they've seen on film, while front office personnel can sit down for one-on-one interviews with players. Ten NFL general managers were at Tropicana Field throughout the week.  Baity reportedly met with Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Minnesota and Cincinnati, while Bunchy had discussions with the Bills and the Vikings. [caption id="attachment_254706" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Shrine Game[/caption]

4. No C.J.

Kentucky's 1,000-yard tight end did not finish the week in Tampa after suffering a minor injury in practice.  From what I understand, he would have played if it was a real game.  His absence should not hurt his draft stock.  In fact, it tells me that he's in such good shape, he did not have to push it to play. [caption id="attachment_254705" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Shrine Game[/caption] Three more Cats -- Darius West, Mike Edwards and Lonnie Johnson -- arrived in Mobile, Alabama today to prepare for Saturday's Senior Bowl.  We'll keep you updated on their progress throughout the week. [mobile_ad]