As only the second Illinois State football player to ever play in the East-West Shrine Game, linebacker Boomer Grigsby made sure his opportunity was a memorable one. Grigsby finished the game with four tackles, forced a fumble on the kickoff coverage team and celebrated a 45-27 victory with his East teammates Saturday afternoon at SBC Park.
Joining ISU alum Chad Pegues (1998) as Shrine Game veterans, Grigsby wasnt intimated being on the same field with all the college football all-stars.
I knew going in that I could have started for every program represented at this game, Grigsby said. I didnt have butterflies at all walking onto the field, especially after practice with and against them all week. The only time I really had (butterflies) was on that kickoff coverage when I realized that (the Wests) wedge was all offensive lineman and they were all about 330 (pounds). I just went in there and hit them as hard as I could. There was a massive collision. I think I broke part of my helmet and mouth guards were flying everywhere.
Grigsby was one of three middle linebackers on the East roster and didnt see the playing time he was hoping for, but still appreciated the opportunity.
It was exciting, Grigsby said. It was great to be on the field competing with the best of the best. The speed of the game was fast and it was just great to be a part of. I didnt get as many reps as I would have hoped for, but they wanted to make sure everybody got some time and I can understand that.
