The Shrine Bowl featured three LSU football prospects. Here’s how they performed
The annual Shrine Bowl, one of the premier all-star games for college football prospects, always draws the attention of NFL scouts, coaches, and fans eager to see how top players from around the country perform in a competitive setting. This year’s game featured an intriguing mix of future stars, and three LSU football prospects took the field with their respective teams. Each player showcased their skills in a variety of ways, further solidifying their potential as future standouts in college football. Here’s a breakdown of how each of these LSU prospects performed during the Shrine Bowl and what their performances could mean for their future at LSU and beyond.
1. LSU Quarterback Commit: Ricky Collins Jr.
One of the most exciting prospects for LSU in the 2025 recruiting class, Ricky Collins Jr. came into the Shrine Bowl with a lot to prove. The Baton Rouge native has been a standout quarterback at the high school level and is considered a key part of Brian Kelly’s future offensive plans. As a dual-threat quarterback, Collins is known for his athleticism, ability to extend plays, and his strong arm. However, the Shrine Bowl provided a unique opportunity for him to test his skills against some of the best high school talent from around the country.
Performance Overview:
Collins entered the game as a member of the East team, and from the outset, he showed that his blend of speed, arm strength, and poise under pressure could translate to success at the next level. His performance in the Shrine Bowl was a mixed bag, though it showed promising flashes of what LSU fans can expect in the future.
Strong Arm, but Inconsistent Accuracy:
One of the key strengths of Collins’ game is his powerful arm. During the Shrine Bowl, he demonstrated the ability to make every throw on the field, from deep down the sideline to precise, intermediate throws over the middle. At times, Collins made some impressive throws, showcasing his ability to fit the ball into tight windows and challenge opposing defensive backs. His arm strength is one of his defining traits, and that was evident as he pushed the ball downfield on several occasions.
However, Collins also showed that he still needs to refine his accuracy and consistency in certain areas. There were moments where his throws were a little off-target, particularly when under pressure or when attempting to hit receivers on the move. His decision-making also needs refinement; Collins sometimes forced passes into coverage rather than taking the easier option or using his legs to extend plays. These are areas that LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will likely work on with him when he arrives on campus.
Mobility:
Collins’ mobility was another highlight of his performance. As a dual-threat quarterback, he used his legs effectively to avoid pressure and gain yards when plays broke down. His ability to scramble and pick up first downs with his feet is something that LSU could utilize, especially in an offense that values the ability to move the pocket and stretch defenses horizontally. Collins’ escapability is something that could give LSU’s offense an added dimension, especially in high-pressure situations.
Poise Under Pressure:
Despite the moments of inconsistency, one thing that stood out about Collins’ Shrine Bowl performance was his poise. In the face of adversity, he didn’t get rattled, which is a crucial quality for any quarterback at the next level. He led the East team through several situations where they needed to answer back after falling behind, and his calm demeanor in the huddle will be invaluable when he eventually leads LSU.
Outlook for LSU:
Ricky Collins’ Shrine Bowl performance confirmed that he has the potential to develop into a solid starting quarterback for LSU. While his accuracy and decision-making need improvement, his physical tools, including his arm strength and mobility, are already elite. Once he refines his mechanics and learns how to read defenses at the college level, he could become a dynamic dual-threat quarterback for Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers.
2. LSU Running Back Commit: Trey Holly
Trey Holly, one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 class, made a huge statement at the Shrine Bowl. The Shreveport native is an explosive back with excellent vision, balance, and speed. Known for his ability to make defenders miss and his knack for finding the end zone, Holly has been one of the most highly recruited running backs in the country. His performance at the Shrine Bowl gave LSU fans a glimpse of what they can expect from him in the backfield in the coming years.
Performance Overview:
Holly was a force during the Shrine Bowl, showing that he has all the tools needed to excel in the SEC and beyond. He was one of the standout players of the game, exhibiting both his physical and mental skills. Let’s take a closer look at his performance.
Vision and Patience:
Holly’s ability to read blocks and find running lanes was on full display throughout the game. He showed great patience in waiting for his offensive line to create running lanes, and when the opportunity presented itself, he exploded through the hole with burst. His vision is one of his strongest attributes, and he demonstrated an innate ability to identify where the defense is weak and exploit it.
Speed and Explosiveness:
One of the most exciting things about Holly’s performance was his speed. He was able to outrun defenders to the edge and accelerate downfield with ease. His breakaway speed was evident on a few key runs, where he was able to turn what could have been modest gains into explosive, game-changing plays. His ability to get to top speed quickly is something that will be a valuable asset for LSU, especially in the fast-paced SEC.
Pass Catching and Blocking:
While Holly is primarily known for his running abilities, he also showed that he can be a valuable asset in the passing game. He caught a few passes out of the backfield, displaying solid hands and the ability to make defenders miss in space. Additionally, Holly proved to be capable of blocking in pass protection, an area that is often overlooked for running backs but is critical in a pro-style offense like the one LSU runs. His willingness and ability to step up as a pass blocker will be something that helps him see the field early in his career.
Balance and Toughness:
One of the most impressive parts of Holly’s game is his balance and toughness after contact. He is not a back that goes down easily, and his ability to keep his legs churning after taking hits is something that will serve him well in the physical SEC. His lower-body strength allows him to break tackles and continue running, even when defenders try to bring him down with arm tackles.
Outlook for LSU:
Trey Holly’s performance at the Shrine Bowl further confirmed that he is one of the top running back prospects in the country. With his vision, speed, and ability to make defenders miss, he has all the tools needed to be a key contributor for LSU. He could make an immediate impact in the Tigers’ offense, especially in a rotation with other talented backs. His versatility as both a runner and a pass catcher will make him a valuable asset for Brian Kelly, and he has the potential to be one of the premier backs in the SEC for years to come.
3. LSU Defensive Back Commit: Javien Toviano
Javien Toviano is another elite recruit who participated in the Shrine Bowl, and the 5-star cornerback did not disappoint. Toviano is one of the top-rated defensive backs in the nation and a major addition to LSU’s already strong secondary. Known for his speed, physicality, and high football IQ, Toviano is expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers. His performance in the Shrine Bowl was a strong indication that he’s ready to contribute at the highest level.
Performance Overview:
Toviano played with the West team in the Shrine Bowl, and he immediately showed why he’s considered one of the best cornerbacks in the class. His performance was marked by lockdown coverage, the ability to anticipate routes, and his physical style of play.
Coverage Skills:
Toviano’s ability to cover receivers was on full display throughout the game. He demonstrated excellent technique, using his speed and agility to mirror wide receivers and stay tight in coverage. Whether it was in man-to-man coverage or zone, Toviano showed that he can read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball. He displayed great timing when jumping routes and almost came up with an interception on a few occasions, showing his awareness and ability to make big plays.
Physicality and Tackling:
Toviano’s physicality as a cornerback was another standout aspect of his Shrine Bowl performance. He’s not afraid to come up and make tackles in run support, and he showed excellent form when bringing down ball carriers. His aggressive style of play and ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage are qualities that will serve him well in LSU’s defensive system, which places a premium on tough, physical play in the secondary.
Football IQ:
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Toviano’s performance was his high football IQ. He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time, whether it was making a play on the ball or preventing a big gain. His ability to read offensive formations and react quickly to changes in the play showed that he has the mental tools needed to excel at the college level.
Outlook for LSU:
Javien Toviano’s performance in the Shrine Bowl proved that he has the potential to be a lockdown cornerback for LSU. With his physicality, coverage skills, and football IQ, he could make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge. His versatility as both a cornerback and a safety gives LSU options in the secondary, and his ability to shut down top receivers in the SEC will be invaluable for the Tigers’ defense.
