Shrive comfortable all around

SAN ANTONIO – Several prospects come into San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as uncommitted players who may still be grappling with their college decision while simultaneously adjusting to the thrill of playing in such a prestigious event. That is not the case with Scranton (Pa.) West Scranton offensive tackle Eric Shrive.

Shrive has had plenty of time to digest his U.S. Army All-American selection as he was selected to play in the game nearly a year ago. He has been looking forward to it ever since.

"I found out about a year ago so it's been in the back of my head all year long and just giving me extra motivation to drive that much harder," Shrive said. "It's an honor to be chosen as an Army All-American but I just want to come down here and prove to some people what I can do and play the game."

Almost as long as Shrive has known that he was an Army All-American, he has known that he is a Nittany Lion. The big offensive line prospect committed to Penn State back in June and hasn't looked back.

"It was the family atmosphere that sold me," he said. "And I want to stay close to home so my family can come watch me play every game. I want to play in the Big Ten too. I'm a Big Ten fan. I always watched Notre Dame and the Big Ten."

Shrive took ten unofficial visits to ensure that he was heading to the right college but now that the decision is made, there is only one official visit that Shrive has any plans for and that has already taken place, two weeks ago to Penn State.

"It was a great visit because I had been down there many times so just getting around the guys and seeing how the team is, it was a good time," he said. "As you get down there more and more you feel like more a part of the family."

This week, Shrive's team will be the East All-Americans and he is looking forward to seeing where he stacks up.

"Our season ended so I just picked up getting ready to come here like it was a whole new season, like Spring practice almost. It's gonna be a good test to see how I rank among the top players in the country. But I'm here to have fun too."