Kansas football: Former Jayhawks win All-Star game

Three former members of David Beaty’s Kansas football team played in the Tropical Bowl All-Star game. Their squad earned the win on Sunday in Florida.

Kansas football fans who miss college football had the opportunity to watch former Jayhawks in All-Star competition last Sunday. Two former and a current Jayhawk were invited to Daytona Beach for the Tropical Bowl All-Star game. The contest kicked off at an early hour and it was cold by Florida standards.

Despite the 9a.m. start and the unusual weather, 27 National Football League Teams, 6 Canadian Football League and a few other pro scouts were on hand, according to the bowl’s media release. They were there to watch, interview and evaluated the athletes. It’s serious business ahead of the NFL draft.

Six-foot-four inch, 300-pound offensive lineman Jayson Rhodes of the 2017 Jayhawk team made the trip. You have to admire the young for taking this step and making the most of an opportunity to play football at the next level. Rhodes team won 26-20. His first win since the Jayhawks opened the 2017 regular season.

Rhodes is a Houston, Texas native who started 11 games and played in 14 games for the Jayhawks over the past two seasons. Other than his academic recognition, Rhodes earned top offensive lineman honors when the Jayhawks knocked off the University of Texas in 2016. He made a great impression in that win over the Longhorns. I hope he made a lasting impression with the scouts in Daytona.

Two former Jayhawks also saw action

In addition to Rhodes, former Jayhawk Quarterback Montell Cozart and Wide Receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez played on the red/American squad. Cozart who had a great senior season after transferring to Boise State saw limited action in Sunday’s game. As a matter of fact, he completed 4 of 7 passes for 76-yards. One completion went for 37-yards. The Blue/ National squad did sack Cozart twice on Sunday.

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Wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez, who was dismissed from the Kansas football team last summer may have made the best impression Sunday. Gonzalez who played for NAIA Southeastern of Florida led the American team in receiving. The speedster caught six passes for 52 yards including a 19-yard catch.

The Tropical Bowl is far from the biggest and most impressive college All-Star game. It lacks much of the glamor of the Senior Bowl. On the other hand, Sunday’s game provided an opportunity for these three to get in front of NFL scouts. Jayhawk fans will be watching and hope the best for them during the NFL draft in May.