Asheville - 136 players representing 37 different schools showcased their talent in the final Shrine Bowl Combine for 2004. The activities took place at the A.C. Reynolds Rockets Stadium. This was the last of five combines that were held throughout the state.

These combines provide a chance for the players to let the Shrine Bowl Coaches see and learn more about them.

North Carolina Head Coach Dick Cline introduced the assistant coaches to the participants in a group meeting just before warm-ups. Coach Cline gave a brief talk about what he expects. He let it be known that talent was not the only thing he was looking for. He wanted players with “Character”.

Ethics and attitude are as important as individual statistics.

The Combine was quite a success. Many of the players caught the eyes of the coaches, media, parents, interested bystanders, and recruits. However, in my opinion there was one player that leaped from the shadows of another good player to the top of the charts. If he has not been recruited heavily, he should be now. That player is Daniel McEntyre, a running back with Polk County High School.

Before the events began I had an opportunity to speak with Polk County’s Head Coach, Bruce Ollis. He pointed out that he had a runner that was faster and smoother than any player he had ever coached. The individual he was speaking of was Daniel McEntyre. Coach Ollis was excited about the 40-yard sprints that would be coming up in the combine. Ollis stated that he and another coach had timed McEntyre on two different occasions over the past week. Each time the speedster ran a sub 4.3. Polk County and company were anxiously waiting to see if their timers were correct and would McEntyre be able to do it again.

Excitedly the coaches and well wishers lined up along the fences separating the track from which the 40-yard sprint would take place.

It did not take long for McEntyre to answer their questions. In fact it only took him 4.21 seconds to answer the question. The smiles were still fixed upon all faces when he ran a 4.25 on his second attempt.

Readers – this young man ran two sub 4.3’s among some of the top witnesses in the state.

College recruiters – Start making plans now to visit Polk County in North Carolina this fall. The butterfly is departing from his cocoon. A new star has emerged.

There was another player that caught my attention. Not because of his performances, they were average among the many participants. But, average was not all that bad for the 6-2, 207 pound LBer out of West Caldwell. What impressed me were his character, personality, work ethics, demeanor, skills, academics, and the fact that he, Damian Thornton, had just finished his freshman season. He has three more years of high school football to fine tune his game.

Another player that I found with an interesting background was Chris Hall of Tuscola. Chris is a 6-3, 210 pound LBer. This young man has a chance to pay the Shrine Bowl back many times over. How and why? He was in the Shriner’s hospital when he was about three-years old for some corrective surgery. Chris has turned his early life from pain, deformity, and physical concerns into dedication, strength, and aggressiveness. He is now being recruited. What a newsworthy story if Chris can make the Shrine Bowl this December.

While attending the combine I had the chance to talk to many of the players. I was not only impressed with their sizes, speed, strength, agility, etc., but I was also impressed with their manners, attitude, character, and work ethics. Not only are players getting bigger and faster, but if what I witnessed is a true indication, the players are also showing more “Character”.

Herewith is a listing of the top stats for the final combine of 2004.