Coleman upbeat on Shrine week

B.J. Coleman said he had a productive week of practice leading up to today's East-West Shrine Game, one of the two main all-star football games for college seniors looking to impress NFL scouts.

The former McCallie and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback is on the East squad, as are former Tennessee Tech wide receiver Tim Benford from Red Bank High School and former Tennessee running back Tauren Poole.

Coleman was the top-rated quarterback on the East roster at the beginning of the week, ahead of Florida's John Brantley and Southern Miss's Austin Davis, and he worked with the first unit all week, he said.

"I've enjoyed the heck out of it," said Coleman, who is rated the No. 7 quarterback on ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.'s board. "I feel like I've done well and had a good week both in the interview room and on the practice field. It's a good start. I think the next step is to have a good time in the game."

The actual game is generally considered the dessert following four well-scrutinized practices. But there is additional meaning to it.

"If you break it down, it's really the only guaranteed football game I have left," said Coleman, who was measured at 6-foot-3, 234 pounds. "Hopefully that's not the case, but that's it as far as guaranteed."

Numerous media reports from practice during the week noted Coleman's leadership, arm strength and composure. His accuracy and footwork, however, weren't always up to the level he wanted.

"I've been told I have a good head for the game and a big arm, but I've got to get better with my feet," he said. "There's little things, like with my feet, where I can tell I'm already getting better in the last four days."

Coleman is expected to start today's game for the East. He said the anticipated format for the showcase will be for each quarterback to play a quarter and then the coaches will decide who plays in the fourth.

Benford, the Ohio Valley Conference offensive player of the year, turned a lot of heads during practice, according to reports. More of an unknown than Coleman at the start of the week, Benford (5-11, 199 pounds) ran sharp routes, showed some quickness and caught most of the balls thrown his way.

"He was crisp, he did very well in his one-on-ones and I think he's definitely helped himself," Coleman said.

Coleman will return to Hattiesburg, Miss., following today's game. He trained there for three weeks leading up to the Shrine game, even working out with Brett Favre a few times, and he will remain there until next month's NFL combine in Indianapolis.