Texas vs The Nation

Jan. 22, 2007

EL PASO, Texas --- The first annual Texas vs. the Nation Game added a huge prospect, both literally and figuratively over the weekend when former Florida Gators defensive tackle MARCUS THOMAS agreed to play for the Nation team next week in El Paso, Texas at the Sun Bowl.

Thomas, who was a pre-season All-American and received a first-round grade from most evaluators, returns to the field after missing the second half of the year because he violated team rules, according to the University of Florida.

However, prior to that incident he was voted a Member of the teams Leadership Committee and had recorded 131 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and one blocked kick in his first three seasons with the team.

Thomas will be joined by fellow Gators senior defensive lineman JOE COHEN, who was unable to play in an earlier all-star game after suffering a minor ankle injury in their National Championship game victory over Ohio State.

Cohen, who primarily played inside at tackle this season, will play across the defensive line during the practice sessions and games, as he hopes to impress scouts with his versatility before heading to the NFL Combine next month.

"This is a great opportunity for both Marcus (Thomas) and Joe (Cohen)," according to Richard Burnoski of Empire Sports, who went on to say that many NFL GMs and Directors of Scouting will see that Thomas has learned from his mistakes and by taking this chance to workout, perform and interview with them could revive what was once though to be a possible Top-10 grade.

Thomas finished with 26 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in just five games, which projected over the Gators 14-game schedule would have been unreal production for an interior defender.

Cohen started off being recruited as a running back before being moved around and finally settling in at defensive line. His best football is ahead of him as the nearly 6-foot-3, 290 pound defender is capable of running 4.8 or better in the 40-yard dash and has a tremendous physique for his size.

The two will join other highly-rated prospects like Miami, FL wide receiver RYAN MOORE, LSU running back JUSTIN VINCENT, Missouri defensive lineman XZAVIE JACKSON and James Madison quarterback JUSTIN RASCATI on a Nation roster that will face Texas' best, starting a week from today in El Paso!