Four former OU players ready for East-West Shrine Bowl: Nwaiwu, Kanak, RSJ, Jones Jr.
It’s all-star game week for former OU football players. We’ll conclude this week with the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., but first? We’re heading to Texas.
It is time for the East-West Shrine Bowl on Tuesday night (6 p.m., NFL Network). Four former OU players with a chance to make another impression as they get ready to chase their NFL dreams.
East-West Shrine Bowl (Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas)
2025 season: 59 tackles, forced fumble, interception
Here is another pillar of the defense. Spears-Jennings had the knack for the big-time play as a junior. This season was more about being steady than spectacular. He did have a nice interception against Tennessee. Spears-Jennings also has been pivotal in mentoring that safety room for the OU future. His consistency has been nice, but can he stand out? Any little bit will help as we get closer to the NFL Draft.
2025 season: Started every game
That season was a little bit more like OU was hoping for Nwaiwu and that Nwaiwu was hoping for himself. He was consistent. He was a leader. And he helped all the young guys get better as we was playing his best ball at the same time. So good that he was recognized as one of the three finalists for the Burlsworth Award, given to the best player to begin their career as a walk-on. Nwaiwu’s versatility is paying off nicely in practices. Nwaiwu earned the Pat Tillman Award on Tuesday morning. The award recognizes intelligence, sportsmanship, and service.
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TE Jaren Kanak
2025 season: 44 receptions, 533 yards
Maybe the story of the 2025 season for OU. Three seasons at linebacker, let’s move to tight end and see how that goes. It went pretty well for Kanak. A force early in the season, he found his groove again going down the stretch. Not only was he sure-handed, but he was good in space and solid in ball security. You could not have asked for more from someone learning as they go the entire time. This week has been a good gauge for Kanak to learn where he’s at with other tight ends.
DE Marvin Jones Jr.
2025 season: 20 tackles, two sacks
Maybe the numbers don’t pop out to you, but Jones certainly had some moments. The problem was that defensive end group became so stacked that he didn’t see every single snap. OU did bring out the best in Jones, and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here during the pre-Draft process. From multiple reports, it has been a really nice week of practices for Jones. Can he close out strong with his game performance?
