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USC linebacker Eric Gentry accepts invitation to East-West Shrine Bowl

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney23 hours agoErikTMcKinney

USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry will participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl after accepting his invitation on Monday morning.

The 6-foot-6, 225-pound linebacker finished the regular season second on the team in tackles, with 75. He had seven tackles for loss, three sacks, four forced fumbles and two pass deflections.

Gentry spent the first season of his college career at Arizona State before coming to USC before the 2022 season. He spent four years filling the stat sheet with the Trojans, finishing his USC career with 226 tackles, including 21.5 for loss and eight sacks. He had two interceptions, 11 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and nine forced fumbles.

ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper has Gentry listed first among his “Just missed” off-ball linebacker prospects outside of the top 10. Gentry was one of the team leaders this season and was selected as a captain for every game during the regular season.

The Shrine Bowl will take place Tuesday, January 27, at Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas. It will air on NFL Network.

USC did not have a participant in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, but three Trojans were involved in the 2024 event. Defensive end Solomon Byrd, cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace and wide receiver Tahj Washington all participated that year. Byrd and Washington were eventual NFL draft picks while Roland-Wallace signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent and is still on the Kansas City roster.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz