NFL scouts join crowd to watch TSU players

By MIKE ORGAN, The Tennessean

COOKEVILLE — Titans scout Blake Eddingfield was among eight NFL scouts and one from the Canadian Football League who attended Thursday night's game between Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.

They were there mainly to see TSU seniors Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a highly rated cornerback, and defensive end Shaun Richardson. Richardson caused a fumble, which was recovered by TSU linebacker Reno Thompson at the Tech 18 in the first quarter. That set up TSU's third touchdown in the first quarter.

Richardson finished with four tackles, including two for losses. Rodgers-Cromartie had six tackles and broke up one pass.

In addition to the Titans, scouts in attendance represented the Colts, Browns, Seahawks, Raiders, Vikings, Rams and 49ers. The scout from the CFL was from the Edmonton Eskimos.

Remember me?: TSU wide receiver Kwame Patrick, who played for Tennessee Tech Coach Watson Brown at Alabama-Birmingham last year, had five catches and 38 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Another running TD: Tech senior receiver Larry Shipp, who scored his first rushing touchdown last week against Austin Peay, scored again on a run Thursday — from 4 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Moore hurt: TSU receiver Jonathan Moore, a freshman from Maplewood, suffered an injury to his right leg on a kickoff return midway through the first quarter. Moore was helped off the field.

Eller hurt: Both teams went to one knee on the field after Tech offensive lineman Scott Eller, a Collierville native, was injured midway through the fourth quarter. Eller eventually was able to walk off the field on his own power.

Longest rush: Henry Sailes' 71-yard burst off tackle in the first quarter was the longest run from scrimmage for Tech this season.

The backup tailback's run set up the Golden Eagles first touchdown, which came three plays later on a 2-yard pass from Cass Barnes to fullback Daniel Jackson.

Long halftime: The halftime was extended to 25 minutes so that both school's bands could perform.