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Two Tulane Football Stars Earn Spots on Shrine Bowl 1000
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- Two Tulane Football Stars Earn Spots on Shrine Bowl 1000
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
More preseason accolades are rolling in for some Tulane Green Wave stars who hopefully look to take the next step in their careers once they hang their Green Wave cleats up.
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Team was announced on Friday, and two Tulane football players earned spots.
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Those draft-eligible players are running back Jaylin Lucas and linebacker Chris Rodgers .
Following the end of next season, Lucas and Rodgers among others will hope to hear their name called on draft day, be signed following the draft, or receive an invite to rookie mini camps.
One of those important showcases is the Shrine Bowl 1000 which allows NFL scouts a preview of eligible college players for the 2027 East-West Shrine Bowl and the 2027 NFL Draft.
The showcase provides valuable insight into the scouting process side of things and helps prop up talent for scouts and fans following along.
Lucas is a redshirt senior who transferred over from the Florida State Seminoles and previously spent two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers where he became a return specialist sensation.
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Lucas earned First-Team All-American and the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2022 for his return efforts, totaling 22 kick returns for 591 yards and two touchdowns. He racked up 22 returns for 572 yards and another touchdown before transferring to the Seminoles.
Lucas also has 145 career rushing attempts for 719 yards and four touchdowns in addition to 64 receptions for 456 yards and two scores.
He has earned several honors this preseason, including Third-Team Preseason All-American by Phil Steele and First-Team All-Conference preseason spot from Athlon.
Next is senior linebacker Rodgers, a critical leader of the team who is representing the program at the American Conference Media Days down in Florida .
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Rodgers was a critical member of the defense last season who had to step into a major role when Dickson Agu suffered a season-ending injury and started all 14 games for the Wave.
He became even more critical when Sam Howard went down alongside him for a few games as well.
Rodgers was second on the team with 80 tackles and had seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
Rodgers was named a First-Team Preseason All-American by Phil Steele and Second-Team Preseason All-Conference selection by Athlon.
Eventually, the East-West Shrine Bowl will kick off at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Tx., on February 4, 2027.
But first, Rodgers and Lucas will look to help the Green Wave reach their season goals before moving onto the next level.
