#Gophers DB @cedjunior2 accepts invite to play in the @NFLPABowl on Jan 17th. http://t.co/BrtgBHc8Dp pic.twitter.com/mG7YDCHNHe
— The Daily Gopher (@TheDailyGopher) January 5, 2015
Minnesota Gophers defensive back Cedric Thompson will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 17.
Thompson, a senior, had a great season. He finished second on the team with 77 tackles; he tallied three tackles for loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles for the Gophers this year.
In 46 career games for Minnesota, Thompson recorded 221 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Thompson was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree and was Minnesota’s Big Ten sportsmanship honoree.
He also received the school’s Richard “Pinky” McNamara Student-Athlete Achievement Award (given to an individual who has inspired all by making an extraordinary effort to succeed despite difficult circumstances, persevering during a time of tremendous adversity and/or overcoming a great challenge), and was one of five NCAA student-athletes to receive the Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award (honors student athletes who overcome great personal, academic, and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics).
According to the University of Minnesota, Thompson played in three bowl games at Minnesota and set a Gopher record with 27 tackles combined in those bowl games. The mark broke Bruce Holmes record of 22 set in the 1985 Independence Bowl and the 1986 Liberty Bowl.
For one week leading up to the game, participants will receive an in-depth introduction to the union. Pro-football players and coaches will also work with the future stars and former NFL coaches Mike Holmgren and Mike Martz will serve as the head coaches for the American and National Teams.
Before playing his final game in a Gophers uniform last week at the Citrus Bowl, Thompson took a few moments to express his gratitude to the school, state and the Gophers’ fans.
Before I take my last steps on the field as a Gopher I wanted to let all of Minnesota know how much I love you guys. pic.twitter.com/eugKtb3wkP
— Ced (@cedbyme) January 1, 2015
