Colorado State University Athletics
Carlson invited to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
11/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Colorado State offensive lineman Sam Carlson is one of 23 players who have accepted an invitation to play in the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The fifth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will take place at 4 p.m. MT on Jan. 23 in Carson, Calif. The game will air nationally on ESPN2, with team practices on Jan. 20 and 21 being televised live on ESPNU.
Carlson, from nearby Wellington, Colo., who attended Poudre High School in Fort Collins, has started all 12 games this season for the Rams. He has helped block for an offense that ranks third in the Mountain West with 417.0 yards per game, and is among the nation's leaders for tackles for loss allowed (4.58 per game; 12th), sacks allowed (1.17 per game; 15th), third-down conversions (45.0 percent, 23rd), fourth-down conversions (62.5 percent, 24th), first downs (22.58 per game, 35th) and red-zone offense (87.5 percent, 38th).
"I'm extremely honored to have been given this opportunity by the NFLPA and to represent Colorado State University," Carlson said. "It's another chance for me to play and showcase my abilities and I'm grateful to the NFLPA for the opportunity."
As a junior, Carlson started 13 games at right tackle and helped CSU to its best record since 2000, surpassing 500 yards five times and the 670-yard marker twice. The Rams set school records for total yards per game (480.9), passing yards (4,181) and passing touchdowns (33), in addition to a record 698 total yards of offense in a win over New Mexico. Carlson and the offensive line blocked for a 1,200-yard rusher and 4,000-yard passer.
Carlson is the fourth Ram to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, joining Aaron Davis in 2014, Jared Biard in 2013 and Paul Madsen in 2011. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience is much more than a game for the participating players. For one week, participants will receive an in-depth introduction to their future union. The NFLPA, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2016, is the primary resource for players for information on the business of football and how to succeed in the NFL and in their post-football careers.
Mike Martz will attempt to defend his 2015 National Team title against Mike Holmgren's American Team. In the rematch, participating players will benefit from instruction by some of the best to ever play and coach the sport.
