University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond's Martin Parker Named Shrine Game's Defensive MVP
Jan. 23, 2011
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND - Former University of Richmond DT Martin Parker was name the Defensive Player of the Game and former CB Justin Rogers started for the East, which rolled past the West, 25-8, at the East-West Shrine Game Saturday at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
With a pair of sacks and a forced fumble, Parker led the way defensively for the East in the annual showcase for college seniors. The West managed just 14 yards rushing and had just eight first downs.
There was buzz around both Parker and Rogers all week in Orlando, as various NFL draft experts called the Spiders' defensive tandem among the most "NFL ready" of the small-school players at the Shrine Game. Both players are headed to the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
"My goal coming down here was just to play a solid game and just show the scouts, [and] show the people what I could do," Parker said. "It never crossed my mind that I would go out there and be defensive player of the game. I'm really thankful and grateful for it."
Parker was a consensus First Team All-America for the Spiders after finishing his senior season with 96 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The versatile Rogers became just the second player in CAA Football history to earn First Team All-Conference honors in four-consecutive seasons after leading in the league in punt return average in 2010, finishing as the CAA's all-time leader in kickoff return yards and ranking third at Richmond in career interceptions (12).
Richmond's other Shrine Game participants have been DE Lawrence Sidbury (2008), P/PK Brendan Toibin (1985), RB Barry Redden (1981), DB Jeff Nixon (1979) and RB Barty Smith (1974).