Senior football players Charcandrick West and Taylor Gabriel have added another step in their journey to pro football with their participation in the Medal of Honor Bowl on Jan. 11 in Charleston, S.C.
The all-star game featured some of the biggest names in college football ranging from Div. II to FBS. Quarterback Casey Pachall of TCU, quarterback Corey Robinson of Troy, and tight end Jordan Najvar of Baylor were just a few of the noticeable names on both rosters.
It was a perfect opportunity for West and Gabriel to showcase their skill sets against top Div. I talent. The two didn’t disappoint with their performances. West led the National team in rushing with 22 yards and had one reception for five yards. Gabriel was second on the National in all-purpose yards. Despite their performance, the National team lost 20-3.
The two had solid performances that gained a lot of attention from multiple NFL teams.
“I talked to at least ten or eleven teams while I was down there and they seemed pretty interested in me,”Β Gabriel said.
West also said he found many teams interested in him as well.
“I talked to the Patriots, Raiders I talked to just about every team that was there,”Β West said.
The two record breaking seniors’ will continue their path to the NFL with the ACU pro day in a couple of months.
Gabriel’s success over the last few years has made him a top prospect at the FCS level. He had 216 catches, 3,027 yards and 27 touchdowns over his prestigious career. Gabriel also played well after the Wildcat’s move to Div. I. He had 73 catches, 1,060 yards and 10 touchdown in his final season, including an ACU record 15 catches against Div. I New Mexico State. Gabriel will look to continue the trend of speedy ACU wide receivers in the NFL like Johnny Knox and Edmund Gates.
West has had his fair share of success during his career. He was the first player in wildcat history to have 2,000 yards rushing, 1,000 yards receiving and 750 returning yards. West showed undeniable talent during his senior year because he rushed for 906 yards and had 443 receiving yards. West will follow in the footsteps of his two predecessors running back Daryl Richardson and Bernard Scott.
These two star players will be looking to follow the recent success of other former ACU players at the next level.
Charcandrick West rushes the ball while escaping attempted blocks. (File photo)
