Conrath and McLeod Invited to East-West Shrine Game

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Charlottesville, VA – Virginia senior defensive lineman Matt Conrath and senior safety Rodney McLeod have accepted invitations to play in the 2012 East-West Shrine Football Game. The contest will be held Jan. 21 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., kicking off at 4 p.m. EST and televised live on the NFL Network. The game benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Conrath is listed on the East team’s roster while McLeod is tentatively scheduled to play for the West squad. The East team will be coached by Bobby Ross while Brad Childress will manage the West squad.

Conrath earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2011 and was named the Touchdown Club of Richmond’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. He was fourth on the UVa defense with 66 tackles and led the team with 12 tackles for loss. He was second in sacks with three. He also blocked three kick attempts during the year.

McLeod earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. He finished the year with 57 tackles and led the Cavalier defense with four interceptions, including three at Maryland. He broke up seven passes during the season, the second-highest total among UVa players.

“The East-West Shrine Game has always fielded players among college football’s best,” said East-West Shrine Game executive director Harold Richardson. “With all 32 NFL teams represented by GMs, coaches and scouts during game week, our players have the terrific opportunity to showcase their talents and get their first glimpse of life in the NFL … ‘Just Like on Sunday.'”