Former Minuteman Emil Igwenagu raises profile with hit at Shrine Bowl
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Nobody likes to get hit the way Emil Igwenagu did in Saturday's East-West Shrine Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla. But the University of Massachusetts senior tight end/fullback may have gotten a boost in the eyes of scouts because of it.
In the third quarter of the annual college all-star game, Igwenagu, who was playing for the East, caught a 21-yard pass from Florida quarterback John Brantley on the right side of field and as he turned to run upfield, he was drilled by Aaron Henry. The defensive back from Wisconsin was called for a 15-yard dangerous hit against a defenseless receiver penalty. But Igwenagu held on to the ball earning a first down, praise from the NFL Network announcers who pronounced his name right, and likely some respect from scouts in attendance.
"It definitely works to my advantage," Igwenagu said. "A lot of people can makes catches, but it's the concentration and being able to make the catch in that tight window under pressure really helps people out"
Igwenagu lined up at both tight end and fullback wearing No. 44 for the East, which lost 24-17 to the West. He only had two passes thrown his way, the one he caught and one that skipped at his feet when Brantley was trying to avoid a sack.
"For the most part I was pleased with how I played. I started a little slow and picked it right," said Igwenagu, who was pleased with his ability to adapt quickly and fit in the pro-style offense despite just a week of preparation. "It's an adjustment everyone had to make. That's a big thing the scouts grade on, how well we can pick up the NFL terminology and how fast we can pick up the offense. They had me playing a couple different positions so I guess I had a little more to learn. But I think I did well with it."
With increased attention on tight ends in the NFL, Igwenagu thought it was a good time to play the position.
"A lot of tight ends are also playing the fullback roll and me doing that at UMass can only help me," said Igwenagu, who is working at TEST Football Academy in New Jersey. He signed with agent Dennis Boyev, who is also based in New Jersey.
The Shrine Game was the first in a series of three high-profile events for Igwenagu, who'll try to become the latest Minuteman player to make the NFL. Igwenagu will be on the field with even higher profile competition on Saturday at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The game will feature Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson and Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weedon, among others.
"A lot of scouts want to see what I can do against better competition because I played in the" Championship Subdivision, Igwenagu said. "Doing well in a game like (Saturday) and in the practices was great."
He's also been invited to the NFL Combine Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis, the annual event where prospects work out for and meet with NFL scouts and coaches.
"It's definitely exciting," Igwenagu said. "It's a goal not just to get to the NFL, but to stay there."
ANOTHER VERBAL COMMITMENT - UMass got another verbal commitment at the expense of one of its Mid-American Conference rivals. Tajae Sharpe, a wide receiver from Piscatway, N.J., committed to the Minutemen after visiting UMass this weekend. The 6-foot-3, 180-pounder had previously committed to Kent State.
ESPN's scouting report listed him as a two-star recruit but praised him in its report.
"Sharpe is productive as both a safety and receiver; has the size and athleticism for both positions at the major level of competition however his offensive skills could get him on the field faster. Has the frame which should be capable of handling additional bulk however care should be taken not to compromise his athleticism and playing speed. ... Is an efficient route runner showing the balance and agility to get in and out of the break creating separation; will come inside and take a hit to secure the catch; has very good body control and ball awareness; gets one foot in along the sideline while displaying the strong natural hands needed to adjust and make the out of the frame catch. Although he lacks a second gear, we see the foot quickness and tough over the pads effort needed gain additional tough yardage. Sharpe may need some time and perhaps a redshirt year before seeing regular playing time at the BCS level of competition."
SUPERBOWL BOUND - Former UMass safety James Ihedigbo had eight tackles and a sack for the Patriots in their 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in the AFC Championship.
Meanwhile former Minuteman receiver Victor Cruz had 10 catches for 142 yards for the Giants in their 20-17 overtime victory.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.
