Player News - Shabazz to Play in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

West Chester cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz has been selected to play in the 2015 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to be held at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA on January 17. Shabazz will wear #22 for the National Team which will be coached by former St. Louis Rams' head coach Mike Martz. The cornerbacks for the National Team will be coached by former NFL cornerback and broadcaster Ron Pitts.

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is a premiere post-season all-star game for draft-eligible college players. The week-long schedule provides participants with a first-class professional experience while introducing them to the business of the National Football League. Founded in 2012, the annual game gives prospective NFL players the best opportunity to showcase their talents to potential employers and fans.

The game, scheduled for a 4:00 pm ET kickoff, will air live on ESPN2. In addition, American and National Team practices on January 14 and 15 will be televised live on ESPNU. The game and practices will also be available via WatchESPN.

Al-Hajj Shabazz will have an opportunity to showcase his skills
(Photo Bert Garbutt)

In the first game of the season, with West Chester holding a narrow 21-16 lead, Shabazz recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown. Then in the fourth quarter after an hour long lightning delay, the Chargers were looking to regain the lead. Trailing 35-30, they advanced to the Golden Ram 37, but their second down pass was intercepted by a diving Shabazz at the 18. On New Haven's next possession, he blocked the Charger punt to give West Chester the ball at the New Haven 21. Shabazz also had four tackles in the game and was named PSAC East Co-Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

In week six at Kutztown, with the Golden Ram offense managing only a field goal in its first three possession, Shabazz intercepted a Golden Bear pass and returned it 20 yards for the first touchdown of the game. In West Chester's 35-24 victory at East Stroudsburg, he intercepted a pass at the West Chester two and returned it 33 yards to not only prevent a Warrior touchdown but also give the Golden Ram offense good field position. And in the second round of the playoffs, Shabazz made a beautiful over the shoulder pick at the Golden Ram goal line early in the third quarter to maintain West Chester's 28-27 halftime lead.

Shabazz with one of his five interceptions this season (Photo Bert Garbutt)

Shabazz finished the season third in the PSAC in interceptions (5), seventh in pass breakups (11) and third in passes defended (16). He also logged 28 solo tackles and 39 total stops this season. He was named first team All-PSAC East, first team Daktronics All-Super Region 1, first team Beyond Sports Network All-Super Region 1, second team Beyond Sports Network All-American, ECAC Division II Football All-Star and a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award.

West Chester Athletic Site - Al-Hajj Shabazz To Play In NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Saturday