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.

NFL interested in two TSU players

Photo: Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, #45, DB, 6' 2"/170 lbs.

By MIKE ORGAN, The Tennessean

The number of NFL scouts coming to see Tennessee State's top prospects continues to grow.

Eight NFL scouts, and one from the Canadian Football League, will attend the Tigers' game Thursday night at Tennessee Tech.

They will be there mainly to observe TSU's top two senior defensive players — cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and end Shaun Richardson.

A scout from the Minnesota Vikings attended TSU's practice Tuesday.

Rodgers-Cromartie and Richardson said they try to ignore the fact that representatives from NFL teams are monitoring them so closely, but it's not easy.

"It doesn't really affect me. My coaches just tell me to go out there and play the game like I'm taught and everything else will take care of itself,'' said Richardson, a 6-foot-3, 250- pounder who transferred to TSU from Joliet (St. Louis) Junior College last season.

Photo: Shaun Richardson, #13, DE, 6-3/250 lbs.

Richardson leads TSU in tackles for losses (7) and sacks (5).

He said he has recovered from a sprained knee and bruised shoulder, which hampered him the previous three games.

"I'm 100 percent and ready to go,'' Richardson said.

Rodgers-Cromartie said knowing the eyes of so many people who could steer his future are on him can be daunting.

"You realize they're watching everything you do and the way you play could have a lot to do with what happens (in the NFL draft),'' Rodgers-Cromartie said.

Rodgers-Cromartie has broken up a team-high five passes, blocked three kicks, and is averaging 22.3 yards on 17 kickoff returns.

Feeling good: Richardson isn't the only player the Tigers welcomed back to the lineup. Coach James Webster said his team, which had a bye last week, is healthier than it's been all season.

"We really needed the bye week,'' Webster said. "We've had a very tough schedule, played some very tough opponents. We needed some time just to rest up and heal up."

Basketball staff: Former Whites Creek High and Belmont basketball player Brian Collins has joined the TSU staff as a graduate assistant. Collins, who graduated from Belmont in 2006, is enrolled in graduate school at TSU.