Saturday, January 13th, 2018
Another game to play
Minster's Ethan Wolf to play in Shrine Bowl
By Gary R. Rasberry
Photo from Associated Press
University of Tennessee and Minster High School graduate Ethan Wolf (82) will play next Saturday in the annual East-West Shrine Game, which features top collegiate players who have competed their college careers. File photo.
Although the college football season for the University of Tennessee ended more than a month ago, Ethan Wolf still has one game left to play.
The Minster native and recently graduated tight end of the Volunteers will suit up next Saturday in the 93rd East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The game, which started in 1925, brings together top college players from around the nation.
"It's obviously a blessing to play in the game. I'm fortunate to have been selected," said Wolf in a telephone interview from Knoxville, Tennessee. "Especially with football (because) once you're done, you can't play again. To have one more guaranteed opportunity to play again means a lot."
Wolf will play for the East team, which also features Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett. Cincinnati Bengals' tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes will serve as head coach of the East.
"All those guys are the best of the best at what they do," Wolf said. "I'm sure I'll learn a lot of things when I get down there. ... I think it will be a fun and competitive week."
Wolf's experience begins today as he heads from Knoxville to St. Petersburg to get acclimated. The game, which benefits the Shriners Hospitals for Children, also allows the players to meet some of the children at the Shriners' Hospital in Tampa.
"That's a big part of it," Wolf said. "Sunday we'll go to the hospital and meet some kids. I'm looking forward to that because not everybody's fortunate enough to be in a position we as players are in. So we're going to pay it forward."
Wolf became a standout tight end for the Volunteers, starting 47 of the 50 games he appeared in during his four seasons in Knoxville. Wolf's 91 receptions are second-most for a Volunteer tight end and his 998 receiving yards are third-most all-time. Wolf finished his career with seven touchdown receptions.
The chance to play in the Shrine Game also gives Wolf a chance to show his wares to the NFL scouts that will be in attendance. A solid showing could earn Wolf an invite to the NFL combine held in late February in Indianapolis.
"I talk about it all the time with the guys I've been training with," Wolf said of getting the chance to move on. Basically, your hay's in the barn and this is your last chance really open some eyes and get people talking. Definitely a stepping stone to play at the next level and raise your stock higher. That's the mindset I'm going down there with and every player is going down there with. We're stepping on that field trying to better ourselves."
