Texas vs The Nation

May 9, 2008

Drafted Players | Signed Players

EL PASO, Texas - Texas vs. The Nation organizers announced on Monday that a record number of players from the game have signed contracts with the NFL. Of the combined 124 players from both the Texas and Nation teams, 102 were given opportunities to compete for an NFL roster spot this year.

"We are very proud of our numbers this year," stated Kenny Hansmire, CEO of the bowl game. "It is an honor for the NFL to recognize our ability to attract top tier football talent and award our kids with the chance to play in the NFL this year."

Texas vs. the Nation's first selection In the NFL draft came in the 3rd round with the Houston Texans 79th overall pick of Antwaun Molden from Eastern Kentucky. It came as no surprise as the standout had a stellar game leading Team Nation in tackles, 3 overall. Following Molden's selection, 17 additional players were drafted in the 3rd through 7th rounds, 18 overall.

Jason Shirley the defensive tackle out of Fresno State, played for Team Texas and was selected early in the 5th round by the Cincinnati Bengals. His agent, Bardia Ghahremani, spoke saying " Jason is an outstanding player. Texas vs. the Nation was a great opportunity for him and we all expect Jason to have a memorable career in the NFL."

Shirley was followed in the 5th round by Tim Hightower, the standout running back who played his collegiate ball at Richmond. Hightower was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals.

"Texas vs. Nation All star game is with out question the best run game of its kind in the country. It is well organized, the NFL personnel and player representatives are treated with the utmost respect, and it is quite clear the surrounding community of El Paso has embraced this game," says Wynn Silberman one of NFL agents who enjoyed four of this years Texas versus Nation participants sign NFL deals.

Kris Cumnock, Vice President of Creative Services for The Staubach Company-PPI Marketing Division, also had great things to say about this year's game and the city of El Paso.

"We have worked with the Texas vs. The Nation bowl game since its inception, and will continue to do so from this point forward," Cumnock said. "In our mind, this all-star game is without peer in terms of the attention to detail and entertainment value. I only wish Kenny (Hansmire) would bring it to the DFW Metroplex - but I know how committed he is to El Paso. We fully believe that this game is the model for all other all-star games, but we also know Kenny well enough to say that you haven't seen anything yet!"

Texas vs the Nation 2009 will be played at Sun Bowl Stadium, January 31st, 2009.