UNI's Fountain earns offensive MVP at Shrine Game

(STATS) - Nothern Iowa wide receiver Daurice Fountain was already enjoying a breakout week during the practices at the 93rd annual East-West Shrine Game.

But Fountain saved his best for last Saturday as he earned the game's Offensive MVP award, although his East team fell to the West 14-10 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Fountain caught three passes for 61 yards and returned two punts for 40 yards. Included were a 38-yard catch and run that set up the East for a field goal and a 30-yard punt.

"It was truly a blessing," Fountain said. "You could've never told me at the beginning of the week that I was going to have this kind of production. I'm thankful for the opportunity and happy that I met so many great people this week. This whole experience was just surreal."

The big week has likely lifted the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Fountain into the NFL Draft picture. He had his biggest season as a senior, catching 66 passes for 943 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The West's Natrell Jamerson of Wisconsin was the Defensive MVP. He returned a fumble 68 yards for the game's first touchdown.

Sam Houston State quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe, the winner of the last two STATS FCS Walter Payton Awards, struggled in the game. He completed a 15-yard pass on six attempts and lost a fumble.

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NFLPA GAME: FRANKLIN, JACKSON, CARTER, SHOCKLEY STAND OUT=

A number of former FCS standouts had strong performances as the National team topped the American squad 23-0 at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Defensive ends John Franklin of Stephen F. Austin and Darius Jackson of Jacksonville helped lead the shutout. Franklin collected seven tackles, including one for loss, with a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. Jackson, who recently won the STATS FCS Buck Buchanan Award, was in on four tackles and a half sack.

Howard running back Anthony Philyaw rushed for a 12-yard touchdown, while Western Carolina's Detrez Newsome carried the ball seven times for 20 yards and caught two passes for seven yards.

But Grambling State's Martez Carter, playing for the American squad, was the game's most productive running back. He had game highs with 45 rushing yards and 69 all-purpose yards.

Villanova linebacker Ed Shockley contributed six tackles, including two for loss, and three pass breakups for the East.

The National team has won all seven NFLPA games under coach Mike Martz.