Jan. 4, 2008
PITTSBURGH - Duquesne record-setting wide receiver Bruce Hocker (Upper Marlboro, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt) has accepted an invitation to play in the 2008 Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday, Jan. 12. The 6-4, 205-pound senior is one of just 12 non-Football Bowl Subdivision players who will take part in the game.
He is the first Duquesne player to ever be invited to a Hula Bowl. "This is a great opportunity," said Hocker, who will report for a week of practice beginning on Monday. "I'm looking forward to competing against some of the top talent in the country."
Hocker, a three-year starter, finished at Duquesne as the career record holder for receptions with 162. His 2,595 yards and 33 touchdowns rank second on DU's all-time lists.
The Upper Marlboro, Md. native, who joined current Cleveland Browns defensive back Leigh Bodden (1999-02) as the only other player in school history be named Associated Press I-AA All-America and AFCA Division I-AA Coaches All-America as a junior, ranks third among active Football Championship Subdivision players in career touchdown receptions (33). He ranks fifth in career yards per game (78.6) and eighth in career yards per catch (16.0).
"We are extremely proud of Bruce," said Duquesne head football coach Jerry Schmitt. "He has been a very productive receiver for us. His selection is a real credit to him and our program."
Hocker, who is the only FCS non-scholarship player invited to participate in the Hula Bowl, caught 54 passes for 668 yards and nine touchdowns this season in helping the Dukes to a 6-4 record.
The first Hula Bowl All-Star Classic was played on January 5, 1946, marking the beginning of a post-season bowl game that has spanned seven decades and launched the professional careers of countless football greats. Over the past 61 years, the Hula Bowl has seen such Heisman Trophy winners as Johnny Rogers, Jim Plunkett, Tony Dorsett, Billy Sims, Mike Garrett, Steve Owens, Rashaan Salaam, Danny Wuerffel, Ricky Williams, Ron Dayne, and Eric Crouch participate.
Hocker will play for the Aina (East) squad which will be coached by Illinois' Ron Zook and Boston College's Jeff Jagodzinski.
The Hula Bowl will be televised by Versus on Jan. 12 at 6:00 (EST).
For more information on the game, please visit www.hulabowlhawaii.com.
