Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns safety Lamar Morgan (2003-2007) has accepted an invitation to play in the 2nd annual Texas vs. the Nation all-star bowl.
The game, which pits top collegiate seniors from Texas against top seniors from around the nation, will be held at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas on Saturday, February 2, 2008.
Former Alabama and Texas A&M head football coach Gene Stallings will lead Team Texas in the collegiate all-star bowl.
Morgan, a native of Copperas Cove, Texas, earned his degree in Business Administration/ Management in December. He was a nominee for the 2007 NCAA National Leadership Conference and a semifinalist for the 2007 Draddy Trophy. One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.
Morgan has either been on the Sun Belt Conference Honor Roll or Commissioner’s list every year since he began his collegiate career. He was named a team captain during his senior season.
Stallings will go head-to-head with former Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears coach Buddy Ryan in his second year as head coach for Team Nation. Last year, Ryan led Team Nation to a 24-20 victory over Team Texas and looks to defend the Nation's title this year.
Stallings got his start in football playing under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant at Texas A&M University. He later became head coach at Alabama winning a national championship for the Crimson Tide in 1992. His coaching career also included 18 years in professional football and eight years as head coach for Texas A&M.
“I very proud of Lamar,” UL head coach Rickey Bustle said. “He’s a good student who has done well academically and excelled on the football field.
“Lamar is a hard worker on and off the field and in the classroom. He’s been a terrific team leader.”
Morgan appeared in 40 games for Louisiana, posting 154 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, one sack, nine pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Eight Cajuns have now accepted a post-season bowl invitation under head coach Rickey Bustle.
Former Cajuns/current NFL’ers C.C. Brown (Houston Texans), Charles Tillman (Chicago Bears) and Ivan Taylor (Pittsburgh Steelers) all played in the Hula Bowl and each was taken in the NFL draft.
Bill Sampy (Philadelphia Eagles) played in the Inaugural Grid Iron Classic and Las Vegas All-American Classic. After catching a 41-yard touchdown pass in the ’05 Gridiron Classic, Sampy signed as a free agent with Philadelphia immediately following the 2006 NFL Draft.
Jerry Babb and Brandon Cox accepted bids to play in the second annual Magnolia Grid Iron Classic and current Arizona Cardinals cornerback Michael Adams (Arizona Cardinals) played in the Inta Juice North-South All-Star Classic last season.
The 2008 Texas vs. the Nation game will kick-off at 4pm CT and will be nationally televised on CSTV network.
Tickets went on sale December 1, 2007 at Ticketmaster locations. For more information contact Rave Marketing & Events (915) 544-9000.