Sorry to use the word "dazzle" in a headline, but that's really the only word I can think of to describe it.

Incoming receiver Josh Lenz from Dubuque put on a show in the fourth quarter of the 37th Annual Shrine Bowl to lead the North over the South 21-17 and break their three-game winning streak. Lenz tallied 67 receiving yards (including a 54 yard game-winning touchdown with 2:16 left), 62 punt return yards (including a 58 yard touchdown to give the North their first lead of the game) and 109 kick return yards on three returns. Oh, he also grabbed offensive MVP honors. Whew.

Lenz's TD's were a welcomed change in pace for the game, with the only scoring occurred in the first and fourth quarters. The only action in between was a handful of missed field goals by North's kicker which ultimately set the stage for Lenz's heroics.

Yes, I'm sure everyone is going to say "it's just the Shrine Bowl" and all of the other related criticism. I realize that Lenz will probably redshirt or see very little playing time until he can bulk up. However, Lenz showed that he has some big playmaker potential for the future. He runs a 4.5 forty according to Rivals and showed that speed and quickness in his two touchdowns by finding a seam and busting through it to go virtually untouched.

Incoming linebacker Jake Knott from Waukee was the only other ISU recruit that played in the game. While it's harder to judge his performance because he didn't bust any huge plays, Knott looked good in pass coverage and was usually right by the pile at the end of the play. I talked to him after the game and he was a really nice guy that seemed almost overwhelmed just to be playing in Jack Trice. Just wait until fall, my friend...