Another sign that the outgoing Kansas University football class may include some NFL talent came Tuesday, when the NFL Players Association confirmed that five Jayhawks had been selected to participate in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 19 near Los Angeles.
Quarterback Dayne Crist, offensive linemen Trevor Marrongelli and Duane Zlatnik and defensive ends Toben Opurum and Josh Williams have committed to play in this year’s game, which will be held on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills.
These five Jayhawks bring KU’s all-star total to eight, joining teammates Tanner Hawkinson and Bradley McDougald, who will play in the East-West Shrine Game on the same day, along with Greg Brown, who, along with McDougald, was invited to play in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game in early February. Crist also has been tapped to play in Friday’s Casino Del Sol All-Star Game.
The eight former Jayhawks participating in postseason showcases is the largest number the KU football program has produced in one season in years and seems to be yet another strong indication that the presence of former NFL coaches Charlie Weis and Dave Campo on KU’s coaching staff has opened doors for the Jayhawks despite the team’s 1-11 season.
As for the Collegiate Bowl, former NFL players and coaching legends will work with the potential draft picks. Former Kansas City Chiefs coaches Herm Edwards and Dick Vermeil will serve as the head coaches for the American and National Teams in this year’s game. They will be joined by player ambassadors Terrell Davis, Hank Baskett, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Lorenzo Neal and Andre Reed.
