The East-West Shrine Bowl might be the final football game Elijah Roberts plays wearing an SMU helmet and representing the Mustangs, but he is far from finished with either.

Roberts will next showcase his abilities at the NFL Combine, the SMU Pro Day and, very likely, on Sundays. All while being a 'Mustang for life.'

"SMU, man, felt like a fever dream. Those two years went by so fast, honestly," Roberts said. "And just coming back to Texas, seeing my coaches, I think almost the whole staff was out here (Thursday), even some staff members in the stands. SMU has just been like a blessing. They have honestly supported me since Day 1 and, as you guys have seen, after I'm even done playing for them. SMU, man, anything they need from me they've got and I know it's vice versa. So I'll definitely be out there this year, practice, games, whatever the case may be, man, because I'm a Mustang for life."

In two seasons with the Mustangs, Roberts finished with 72 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered one. That made him a two-time all conference pick and an All-America honor.

It also gave him a chance to play in the Shrine Bowl, putting his talents and abilities on display for an even bigger audience. Even so, he wasn't sure what to expect.

"At first, it was a lot of uncertainty coming into it, but it was a great week," Roberts said. "I was able to put on a couple of good practices, have a decent night tonight. So it's just, it was a great experience. Not only for me, but for Jared (Harrison-Hunte) and for all the other guys who got a chance to come out here. It was just fun. And I'm very grateful for the East-West Shine for giving me that opportunity."

He made the most of it too. 

It did not take long for Roberts' name to start appearing on lists of players who impressed during the Shrine Bowl practices. His size, speed, strength and versatility opened plenty of eyes.

"It just feels good to be recognized, but you've just got to know that there's always more," Roberts said. "I feel like I've always been able to do what I've done this week, but now it's just for people to see now. It's for the world to kind of, 'OK, who's that?' But you've got to keep going."

It took just three practices for Roberts to earn his invitation to the NFL Combine. The week-long, scouting showcase is that next opportunity.

"It was a blessing," Roberts said of the invite. "That was kind of like weight lifted off my shoulders, just to know that I've been working for something. Obviously, the Combine isn't the end goal, but it's a big step. It's a big step to where I'm trying to go."

As for the game. The result wasn't there for the West team as turnovers proved costly. But Roberts had an impact, including a sack to end the first half. 

It was everything that makes Roberts the player he is. He beat the lineman, chased down the quarterback and brought him down.

"Shows a little hustle, little effort, a little bit of speed, a little bit of juice," Roberts said. "I don't know if people think I'm slow or not, but I mean I'm not. Showed a little speed and a little versatility, for sure."