Wisconsin Football: Michael Caputo Shines in Shrine Game
By Jim Oxley
Former Wisconsin football player Michael Caputo earned the Shrine Game MVP award
A pair of interceptions helped former Wisconsin football safety Michael Caputo impress the NFL Draft scouts in attendance at Saturday’s East-West Shrine Bowl.
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Playing for the West team, Caputo nabbed an interception in the second quarter off his former teammate, Joel Stave, and returned it inside the redzone before an East running back slowed him and Stave brought him down.
He added another interception in the fourth quarter off of former Michigan and Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock.
Both interceptions stalled what looked like scoring drives for the East squad of the Shrine Game, with his second interception coming in the end zone. Caputo added three tackles to his two interceptions, earning the game’s Defensive MVP award.
Wisconsin Badgers
His play helped the West team earn a 29-9 victory in the annual East-West Shrine Game.
Caputo’s big game certainly opened some eyes of NFL scouts, as he had grabbed just three interceptions in his entire collegiate career. He’s known more as a sure-handed tackler, but showed in the game he can make plays in the passing game, as well.
Three other Badgers took the field along with Caputo. Stave had a less-than-stellar day for the East team, completing 7-of-12 pass attempts for 31 yards and the interception by Caputo. Stave was working an effective two-minute drill before his interception to Caputo.
Tyler Marz and Derek Watt also suited up for the winning West squad. Marz saw playing time at both left and right tackle, while Watt saw time at fullback and tight end, recording one catch for three yards.
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