Northern Iowa’s Daurice Fountain had a phenomenal week at the East-West Shrine Game, one of college football‘s final showcases of the season.
Former Northern Iowa receiver Daurice Fountain took one step closer to making his NFL dream a reality. The Madison, Wisconsin native caught the attention of coaches, scouts, and analysts all week during Shrine practices.
Fountain had a great start to the week weighing in at 6-foot-1.5-inches and 210 pounds. To top that off, Fountain measured in with 9-1/2 inch hands and 34-1/2 inch arms immediately gaining the attention of scouts.
The former Panther continued to impress during Shrine practice with his athleticism and ball skills making numerous tough catches.
Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain has scouts eyes out here. Has made multiple big-time catches today, including this one. Very athletic WR. pic.twitter.com/49klxiIh1o
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) January 16, 2018
Expectations were big for Fountain heading into the Shrine game but expectations were quickly turned into reality. Fountains first catch was a quick slant resulting in a 38-yard gain showing his quick burst.
https://twitter.com/UNIFootball/status/954828946218143746
Fountain continued to impress throughout the game showing scouts his versatility on offense and special teams. The offensive MVP lined up in the slot, out wide, as a gunner on special teams and a punt returner. Fountain ended the day with an impressive stat line catching three passes for 61 yards and 40 punt return yards.
Huge stage, no problem for @Reece_JMM at the @Shrine_Game! 👏
— UNI Football (@UNIFootball) January 20, 2018
✅: 3 catches
✅: 61 yards
✅: 40 PR yards#UNIFight pic.twitter.com/YkvLwcpKjh
HUGE punt return from @Reece_JMM sets up the east squad with a scoring opportunity!#UNIFight pic.twitter.com/vY8rl1CIRF
— UNI Football (@UNIFootball) January 20, 2018
At the conclusion of the game, Fountain earned the games offensive MVP capping off a tremendous week.
Congratulations to the 2018 East-West #shrinegame Most Outstanding Players!
— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 20, 2018
Offensive MVP East #10 Daurice Fountain @northerniowa
Defensive MVP West #12 Natrell Jamerson @UWMadison #mvps #mvp @Trellionn12 @reece_jmm pic.twitter.com/cEqgb0HI7G
Daurice Fountain most definitely improved his draft stock and only one thing is on the wide receivers mind, getting that coveted NFL combine invite. Now he, along with the rest of the East-West Shrine Game participants waits.
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Exhibition games like this, especially for players from smaller schools, are all about making connections and getting your name out there. Everyone knows J.T. Barrett, but the nation is quickly learning just who Daurice Fountain is, and he’s not done yet.