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Texas vs Nation All-Star Classic 2008
Completes Postseason Games

Photo - Bruce Hocker - WR - Duquesne University

Texas vs the Nation All-Star Classic
Feb. 2, 2008 El Paso, Texas

The second annual Texas vs the Nation Classic will be played in El Paso this Saturday to conclude the postseason All-Star action. Despite its limited two year history, the Texas vs the Nation game has become a fine contest for pro prospects with some very interesting players again this year. Wideout Bruce Hocker of Duquesne University is one of the players to watch. He finished as Duquesne’s career record holder in receptions (162) and 2nd on the school’s all-time list for receiving yards (2,595) and touchdowns (33) while earning All-American honors as a junior and senior. He is the first player in school history to play in the Hula Bowl this year and caught a TD pass for the East squad. He hopes to have a big game in the Texas/Nation contest to improve his stock entering the NFL Combine.
A fine Division 1 sleeper to watch is DE Ervin Baldwin of Michigan State. He is a very underrated defender who has shown the ability to play anywhere along a front line and in either pro scheme. He is a good pass rusher who combines power and quickness and could be one of the real surprises in this game. He is a rising prospect at a position in high demand for the pro game and is a player to watch in late February at the NFL Combine 2008.
In its first year last February, the Texas vs. the Nation Challenge stood out in the All-Star football world setting multiple records for first-year bowls. The 108-man roster saw 79 players sign with the NFL, the highest number of signees ever to come out of a 1st year All-Star game and a top 10 all-time record for signees in an All-Star game. The roster was headlined by 12 players selected in the NFL Draft 2007 including five 4th round picks, three 6th round picks, and four 7th round selections.