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EDINBORO, PA – A pair of Edinboro
University football players have been selected for the Cactus
Bowl, the annual NCAA Division II All-Star Game. Greg Bzorek
(Saxonburg, PA/Knoch) and LaMont Singleton (Canton,
OH/Canton McKinley), a pair of offensive linemen, will
represent the Fighting Scots in the contest scheduled for Friday,
January 6 in Kingsville, TX.
Edinboro has now had at least one
representative in every Cactus Bowl (formerly known as the Snow
Bowl prior to 2000) but one, and has now had at least one player
for eight straight seasons. This marks the first time Edinboro has
had two representatives since the 1997 campaign. The contest
features the top small college seniors in the country, beginning
with a week of practice in front of professional scouts.
Bzorek and Singleton keyed an offensive line
which has been renowned as one of the most physical in Division
II. The duo comprises one-quarter of the linemen on the East
roster. This past year Edinboro led the PSAC in fewest sacks
allowed for the second straight year, giving up seven after
allowing just nine in 2004. In addition, Edinboro averaged 199.3
yards per game rushing, particularly impressive since not one
Fighting Scot tailback had recorded a carry at Edinboro entering
the season.
“We’re really proud that the
Cactus Bowl has recognized two of our premier players,” noted
head coach Lou Tepper. “We may have been the best pass
protecting offensive line in the country. Those two were a
tremendous part of that. Plus, we’ve always been known as a
very physical offensive line. These two exemplify that. I also
think it’s a real tribute to Scott Browning to have two guy
recognized nationally from the same team.”
Browning, Edinboro’s offensive coordinator
and long-time offensive line coach, was also pleased that his two
pupils were selected. He noted that it is a fitting conclusion to
Bzorek’s career, while Singleton was selected based on the
desire of professional scouts to view him first hand.
“I’m really excited for
them,” exclaimed Browning. It’s a compliment to them,
and a compliment to our program. Greg’s resume really speaks
for itself. LaMont’s ticket was the professional scouts. It’s
a tremendous opportunity for both players.”
Bzorek is a 6’6”, 330 lb. offensive
tackle who recently earned All-PSAC West recognition for the third
straight year. He was a first team choice at right tackle the last
two years after earning second team recognition as a sophomore.
Bzorek started 44 of 45 career games and did not allow a sack his
last two seasons. A year ago he was a third team Associated Press
Little All-America, and is also a candidate for the 2005 Upshaw
Award, given to the top offensive or defensive linemen in Division
II.
Singleton joined the Fighting Scots a year ago
after previously playing at Erie(NY) Community College. Unlike
Bzorek, who received numerous honors throughout his career, the 6’4”,
304 lb. offensive guard went without any recognition despite
starting all 22 games as a Fighting Scot and playing extremely
well. A former NJCAA honorable mention All-American, Singleton’s
size, athleticism and ability has caught the attention of
professional scouts throughout the fall.
Edinboro finished with an 8-2 record this past
season, winning its third straight PSAC West championship.
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