UF's Ryan Stamper Invited To Play In 85th East-West Shrine Game
Friday, January 15, 2010 | Football
Florida linebacker Ryan Stamper (Jacksonville , Fla.) has accepted an invitation to play in the 85th East-West Shrine Game. The Game will be held Jan. 23, 2010, in Orlando, Fla., kicking off at 3 p.m.
Stamper joins an elite list of football greats, such as Tom Brady, John Elway, Brett Favre, and 62 NFL Hall of Famers, who have played in the East-West Shrine Game, America's longest-running college all-star football game.
During his time as a Gator, Stamper appeared in 41 games with 26 starts and was a team captain as both a junior and senior. He collected 148 total tackles (77 solo) in his career and made 13.5 tackles for a total loss of 51 yards, including 5.5 sacks. Stamper also recovered three fumbles and intercepted two passes for the Orange and Blue.
In 2009, Stamper earned second-team All-SEC honors from the league's coaches and ranked first among Gator defenders with 78 total tackles (42 solo). He notched five tackles (three solo) against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game and tied for the team lead with seven tackles (five solo) against Florida State in his final game at The Swamp. Stamper totaled a career-high 13 tackles (nine solo), including one for a loss of four yards in the win over Mississippi State, registered nine total tackles in the road victory at No. 4 LSU and made 12 tackles (five solo), including three tackles for a loss of five yards, as well as a quarterback sack for a loss of two yards against Eastern Division rival Tennessee.
“The East-West Shrine Game has always fielded players among college football's best,” said East-West Shrine Game Executive Director Jack Hart. “With all 32 NFL teams represented by GMs, coaches and scouts during game week, our players have the terrific opportunity to showcase their talents and get their first glimpse of life in the NFL … 'Just like on Sunday.'”
While the teams are divided by East and West, the players come together for the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children, an international pediatric specialty health care system.
“We hope our supporters all over the country will come out and enjoy this exciting game,” said Douglas E. Maxwell, president and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Our health care system depends on the generosity of our supporters, and this game is one of our signature events – all proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.”
Those who would like to support Stamper and the East-West Shrine Game can do the following:
· Attend the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando on Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.
· Tune in to ESPN2 on Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. to watch the live broadcast
· Join the free East-West Shrine Game Fan Club online at www.shrinegame.com for player and coach updates, Game news, discounts and more
For more information about the East-West Shrine Game, please visit www.shrinegame.com.
-UF-
