Chism among East-West Shrine prospects

TAMPA, Fla. -Going into his final season at Eastern Washington, Efton Chism III is getting used to the national attention.

Chism was included in the East-West Shrine Bowl's top 1,000 NFL prospects in the lead up to the 2024 college football season. The list intends to highlight the best players who are both eligible for the annual all-star game and ready for the NFL.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is scheduled for January 30, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with 130 college players being selected to participate. Next year will be the 100th game in the history of the event.

"It's really a blessing to be on a list with some of the best players in the country," Chism explained. "I can't wait for this upcoming season and to go out there one last time with my brothers."

Chism is coming off a nearly 1000-yard season, finishing with 932 yards in 2023 and ranking third in the Big Sky - 14th in the FCS. He caught 84 passes and scored eight touchdowns for the season. Against Idaho State, Chism had a career-best, 13 catches, leading to 161 yards and two touchdowns.

Adding to the hype for his final season on the red, Chism is steadily moving up the EWU football record books. The Monroe, Wash. native is second in program history with 5.5 receptions per game and third with 226 total receptions. Chism's 2,541 receiving yards is 12th all-time. 

Chism was named to the Big Sky preseason All-Conference team, earning the most votes of any receiver. He also earned preseason All-American recognition from FCS Football Central.