Amidst the I Dated a Fake Dead Girlfriend saga — unless you’ve been in a cave with no wi-fi you know exactly what I’m talking about — an actual real football game with real people is scheduled for Saturday, January 19th at 4 p.m. EST in St. Petersburg, FL. The 88th annual East-West Shrine Game.

So when the East meets the West (no, I don’t mean Southwest eggrolls) several of the nation’s top prospects, from major programs to Division-III schools alike, will get a chance to showcase their abilities in front of scouts, coaches, and a television audience (NFL Network). To say the pressure is on would be … well … an accurate statement.

Here are eight prospects, four from each team, ready to shine — though I am prepared to be surprised by others.

East Roster (entire roster here)

Emory Blake, Wide Receiver, Auburn

An under-the-radar prospect, Blake’s touchdown totals have dipped since the departure of Cam Newton — from eight in 2010 to five in 2011 to three in 2012 — but his overall production has remained steady, despite playing in a weak passing offense. During his four seasons at Auburn he hauled in 128 receptions for 2,022 yards (which both rank fifth in school history) and 16 touchdowns.

The wide receiver possesses above-average speed, strong reliable hands, and is a precise route-runner. How he gels with the quarterbacks on the East roster will be worth watching throughout the game.

Collin Klein, Quarterback, Kansas State

Of couse I write “quarterback” with hesitancy, since I fully expect him to switch positions once in the NFL. Sure, he’ll get some snaps under center on Saturday, but where else is the big question. That is worth keeping a keen eye on.

In my mind, he’s best suited as a tight end or in an H-Back role — with the potential to be a good one, too. He’s big, fast, tough, and has natural football instincts.

Ray Graham, Running Back, Pittsburgh 

Don’t let the up-and-down career at Pitt deter you, Graham is a legit NFL prospect able to contribute right away — at least as a situational, change-of-pace back. And his week in practice has only validated those beliefs. He has flashed top-end speed, power to move chains, and the vision and patience to complete the package.

A notable performance on Saturday could boost his stock into the third-round range. Easy.

Cooper Taylor, Safety, Richmond

Early reports from those attending practice state that this kid has really stood out in drills. Throw me in the “not surprised” file. A quick glance at Taylor’s physique — he’s 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds — is enough to make scouts drool, but the saliva really starts pouring when he steps up in the box to stop the run or drops back in coverage.

Tape reveals a complete safety, able to tackle in the open field, blanket receivers and tight ends, and track down the ball in the air. Basically, he does it all. At a high level.

West Roster (entire roster here)

Jasper Collins, Wide Receiver, Mount Union

Pierre Garcon in 2008; Cecil Shorts in 2011; and Jasper Collins in … now. Mount Union is quickly becoming, other than a Division-III powerhouse, a wide receiver factory.

In his final season at Mount Union, Collins recorded 92 catches for 1,694 yards and 22 touchdowns en route to All-American honors and the school’s eleventh national championship. He displays great acceleration in and out of cuts, is elusive after the catch, and also returns punts — returned three for touchdowns in college. At 6-foot-0 and a slight 190 pounds, Collins is often jammed/re-routed at the line, but I still expect big things on Saturday.

Sam Brenner, Guard, Utah

A guard!? I know, I know, not the sexiest or most exciting position to watch, but important nonetheless. Brenner was asked to do a lot for an injury-ridden line this year, but responded well at both tackle and guard — enough to even earn second-team All-Pac-12 honors. Though he projects at guard, his versatility will be a valuable asset. 

In his final two seasons as a full-time starter, Brenner allowed just two sacks. He moves well for his size (6-foot-3, 310 pounds), uses his hands well, and has the necessary amount of tenacity. The game is still won in the trenches, and there are few linemen I’d rather go to battle with than Brenner. Look for him to be a factor in run blocking and pass protection on Saturday.

Keith Pough, Linebacker, Howard 

If you didn’t already notice, I have a slight fascinationg with small-school prospects, and Howard may be the gem of the bunch. In fact, I have him as one of the highest-rated prospects — at any position — in this entire event.

To be honest, I had neither seen nor heard very much about Pough before this season. But, after watching film and reading reports, I’m a huge fan now. He’s a lean linebacker (6-foot-2, 241 pounds, with room to grow) with athleticism, a non-stop motor, and aggressive playing style. I see him not only as an NFL middle linebacker, but also the heart and soul of a defense. His rise up draft boards should continue after Saturday’s game, perhaps as high as early second round.

Christine Michael, Running Back, Texas A&M 

Michael is a tough one to figure out at times. He had sort of a down senior season, after rushing for 899 yards as a junior, but stillfound the end zone 12 times. He has generated a lot of buzz this week, though, by showing the power to run inside and the speed to bounce it outside. He’s listed at 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, and runs in the 4.4-forty range.

A strong showing in the game — and other pre-draft workouts, of course — could significantly boost his stock. Scouts want to see, among other things, his pass-protection skills and abilities as a receiver out of the backfield.