Nead Slated to Play in East-West Shrine Game

PROVO -- Senior tight end Spencer Nead will put his talents on display at the 79th annual East-West Shrine game on Saturday, Jan. 11. The game will be played in San Francisco at Pac-Bell Park.

Nead, who is just one of two tight ends on the West roster, joins five other players from the Mountain West Conference, including offensive lineman Morgan Pears (Colorado State), defensive lineman Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (San Diego State), receiver J.R. Tolver (San Diego State), quarterback Jason Thomas (UNLV) and defensive back Wes Crawley (Air Force).

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound native of Tetonia, Ida., earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors as a senior at BYU, recording 40 receptions for 449 yards. Entering the season, Nead was listed as one of the top tight ends in the nation, and was listed as a Mackey Award candidate. Nead was just one of four BYU receivers with over 300 yards receiving on the season, averaging 11.2 yards per reception.

Leading up to the NFL Draft in April, Nead has been listed as one of the top tight end prospects in the country.

Every years since 1925, the Shrine Game has been played to raise money and to help make the public aware of the expert orthopedic and burn care available, at no cost, at all 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children. To date, the game has raised more than $14 million for Shriners Hospitals and has helped inform millions of people about the mission of the Shriners.

Additional All-Star Game Information

On Feb. 1, offensive lineman Dustin Rykert , receiver Reno Mahe and tight end Gabe Reid are slated to play in the Hula Bowl in Maui, Hawaii. Rosters for the Jan. 18th Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., will be release on Saturday, Jan. 11.