Whitaker & Julien with big days in all-star football games

The bright lights were on Deonce Whitaker.

Jarmar Julien was smiling after the inaugural Paradise Bowl.

If 2002 is a foreshadowing of things to come, Deonce Whitaker is on his way back to the form he flashed consistently in 2000 when he led the nation in average yards per carry and was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist. The 5-foot-6 graduate of San Jose State University was named the "Offensive Most Valuable Player" at the 77th East-West Shrine Game played at Pacific Bell Park.

Whitaker, owner of 17 school records, scored two touchdowns on runs of 1 and 2 yards to help the West team to a 21-13 victory over the East. A workhorse for the Spartans when he was healthy, Whitaker led the West in rushing with 10 carries for 40 yards. He also added three pass receptions for another 40 yards.

"I came here to show the style of San Jose State football," said Whitaker, who got plenty of help from teammate Chris Fe'esago who blocked for him in the offensive line. "It was very important for me to show everyone I could play."

Whitaker is the second Spartan in eight years to receive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Game. In 1994, quarterback Jeff Garcia was named the Co-Offensive "Most Valuable Player."

While Whitaker and Fe'esago were playing in the oldest existing college all-star football game, another Spartan tailback, Jarmar Julien was one of the stars at the inaugural Paradise Bowl in St. George, Utah. The powerful 230-pound Julien, who elected to forego a fourth season of eligibility, led a group of West all-stars in both rushing and receiving yards in a 33-30 victory over UTCO (Utah/Colorado) all-stars.

Julien rushed 10 times for 49 yards and caught seven passes for 137 yards. One of his receptions was an 85-yard touchdown play.