2018 East-West Shrine Game: 5 Players who improved stock

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CEDAR FALLS, IA – NOVEMBER 18: University of Northern Iowa wide receiver Daurice Fountain (10) extends for a long reception as Indiana State Sycamores defensive back Ian Pendelton (1) during the football game between the Indiana State Sycamores and the University of Northern Iowa Panthers on November 18, 2017 at the UNI-Dome on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Daurice Fountain

Don’t overlook the Missouri Valley Conference and FCS football. It’s produced top talent like Carson Wentz and scouts don’t overlook the players coming out of those schools. There’s potential to hit big and one of those players could be Northern Iowa receiver Daurice Fountain.

Fountain had a fantastic senior season and finished with 66 catches for 943 yards and 12 touchdowns. It was by far Fountain’s best collegiate season and was a high profile prospect heading into the week. Scouts raved about Fountain’s athleticism and he reportedly looked great in practice, which directly translated to the football field yesterday. He finished the game with three catches for 61 yards and was named offensive MVP in a losing effort.

With two top Division I quarterbacks throwing him the ball, Fountain proved he could play with the big boys. For prospects coming from smaller schools, that’s always one of the main questions teams have. That’s why these All-Star games are so important in the offseason because it combines talent from all of the country. Fountain has NFL size at 6-1, 210 pounds and his play only increased his draft stock going forward.

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With names like Calvin Ridley, Courtland Sutton, and Christian Kirk among the top wide receivers heading into the draft, the position has a ton of depth. It’s something we didn’t see last year and players like Fountain will give teams the opportunity to find gems in the mid to late rounds.

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