5-2-07
For Immediate Release
Contact: (804) 722-0141

Recent East Coast Bowl Players NFL Bound
Game features some of the best Division I-AA, II, III and NAIA talent in the nation

Petersburg, VA – After all the smoke settled from the weekend’s draft festivities, eight (8) athletes from the most recent East Coast Bowl will see their career continue at the highest level.

Rashad Barksdale, a safety from University at Albany (NY), was the only East Coast Bowl Alum drafted. Barksdale, a former Albany baseball player, played just one season for the Great Danes and was selected Honorable Mention All-American. Barksdale was drafted in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles and had this to say about his experience, “I am living a story on ESPN, I wanted to play baseball so I never expected to hear my name in the NFL Draft. I feel lucky and I am very happy with my family”.

Jacob Hobbs (OL), a teammate of Barksdale at Albany, will join him in Philadelphia after signing a free agent contract. Andre Coleman, a defensive end from Albany, also received the all-important post-draft phone call, but he will be headed to the San Diego Chargers. East Coast Bowl record setting Quarterback and Gagliardi Award winner, Josh Brehm (Alma) has been invited to Detroit Lions Rookie Camp, as well as 2006 North Quarterback, Justin Rummell (Earlham).

Other players from the 6th Annual East Coast Bowl game to sign free agent contracts include: Taz Wallace (LB – Adrian), Evan Prall (WR – East Stroudsburg) and Patrick Murray (OL – Truman State).

The East Coast Bowl is an annual college All-star football game played the Saturday following Thanksgiving at Historic Cameron Field in Petersburg, VA. The game is co-sponsored by the City of Petersburg and the National Football Foundation/College Hall of Fame and all revenue generated is used to award a scholarship for a high school senior who plans to play football on the Division I-AA, II or III level. Aside from having the opportunity to showcase their ability in front of professional scouts, players will also do inspirational visits to community centers, hospitals and convalescent centers. The East Coast Bowl currently boast over 50 alumni playing some form of professional football and will feature 75 of the best Division I-AA, II, III and NAIA seniors from a multitude of different schools and regions. For more information please visit www.petersburgsports.com.