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Wiggins to Play in Texas vs. The Nation Game
Jan. 14, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State offensive lineman Isaiah Wiggins will play in at least one more collegiate football game, as the senior from Chicago accepted an invitation to play in the second-annual Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge, at 4 p.m. CST, Feb. 2, in El Paso, Texas, at the Sun Bowl. The game will be televised live on CSTV. Wiggins will suit up for The Nation team, which will be coached by former NFL head coach Buddy Ryan. Wiggins becomes the second-straight Redbird to play in the game, joining former ISU linebacker Cameron Siskowic, who was named the game's defensive most valuable player in 2007. It also marks the fourth-straight year in which a Redbird was invited to play in a senior all-star game. A two-time All-Gateway Football Conference First Team selection, Wiggins has been Illinois State's most dominant offensive lineman over the last two seasons. A three-year starter at left tackle for the Redbirds, Wiggins began his college career as a center - the position he will be asked to play in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge. "I know Isaiah has been an outstanding left tackle at Illinois State, but I've had a number of scouts ask if they could see him at center," said John Murphy, a member of the Texas vs. The Nation selection committee. "(The scouts) see Isaiah as one of the most athletic centers in the country." Wiggins is looking forward to the game and the challenge of playing center again. "I'm ecstatic about the invitation," said Wiggins. "It is really a great opportunity for me, personally, and for the ISU football program. (NFL scouts) think that (center) is the best position for me to play in the NFL. Luke (Drone) and I have not gotten together, yet, but I'm going to start working on my snaps. I also need to get used to the grip of the NFL ball, which is a little different than the college ball. It's been a while since I've played center, but I'm looking forward to it, and I will be ready to go."
The Sports Network Honorable Mention All-America selection was instrumental in the Redbird running game in 2007, which amassed 2,194 rushing yards on the season, the seventh-highest rushing total in school history. Wiggins, who started 10 games at left tackle, was named the league's offensive lineman of the week Oct. 15, and only recorded six missed assignments and allowed two sacks all season. Wiggins will arrive in El Paso Jan. 27 to begin a week-long preparation for the game, which includes community service activities, interviews with NFL scouts, practice and some sightseeing. |
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