DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Three members of the Jacksonville University football participated in the FCS Bowl on Sunday.
The annual postseason college football all-star game consists of the top players from FCS college football and is played in front of numerous NFL and CFL scouts.
Senior LB Thomas Oporto, WR Prince Gray and OL Jake Dempsey were JU's representatives this season, and they all made the most of the opportunity.
Gray played for the American team, and caught a touchdown and well as the game-winning two-point conversion to help the American squad erase a late 14-point deficit to win 38-37. The Miami Gardens, Fla. product, a one-time All-PFL Honorable Mention during his time as a Dolphin, finished the day with a game-high eight catches for 94 yards.
On defense, Oporto, an Honorable Mention All-PFL selection this past year after leading the team in tackles for a loss and finishing second in total tackles, made his presence known, finishing the day with two tackles and a pass break up and flying around the field during his opportunities to play. Oporto also caught the eye those scouting the event with his strong work leading up to the game.
Dempsey helped block for the winning side, protecting bowl game MVP Vincent Espinoza, who threw for 132 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 92 yards and two more scores.
All three players get a chance to work in the spring leading up to pro day in hopes of joining recent former Dolphins WR Andy Jones (NFL's Detroit Lions), LB Justin Horton (AAF's Orlando Apollos) and CB KJ Jenkins (IFL's Cedar Rapids River Kings) among others in the professional ranks.
