Harold Jameson

Dec. 12, 2002

SAU’s Carl Bucknor To Play In Cactus Bowl

Magnolia, Ark.-Carl Bucknor of Southern Arkansas University has been invited to play in the Whataburger Cactus Bowl in Kingsville, Tex., January 10. The game gives NCAA Division II senior players a chance to display their talent before NFL professional scouts.

Bucknor, a 5-10, 190-pound cornerback from Augusta, Ga., was a first-team All-Gulf South Conference selection and was a Daktronics second-team All-South Region choice. He was one of three seniors on the 2002 Mulerider football team.

Known for his hard-hitting, physical style of play, Bucknor played in 10 games last fall for the ‘Riders, missing one game with an injury. He had 27 solos, 15 assists, 42 total tackles, two tackles for minus three yards, two interceptions returned 32 yards, 10 pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

Two former ‘Riders played in this bowl game, wide receiver Drew Cone in 2000 and center Trey LaValle in 2002. Cone played in the Snow Bowl in North Dakota before the bowl was moved to Javelina Stadium on the campus of Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Bucknor will play for the West team. Ironically, eight other players from the GSC, including three from Arkansas schools, will play for the East. Representing the GSC on the East squad

are defensive lineman Floyd Black of Harding, All-America offensive lineman Chris Booker of Clarendon and Delta State (listed as a 288-pound linebacker), tight end John Allan Bradley of North Alabama, kicker Zach Elbert of Henderson State, defensive back Marquis Floyd of West Georgia, wide receiver Kyle Henderson of West Alabama, wide receiver C.J. Lofton of GSC champion Valdosta State (which plays Saturday for the national championship) and defensive back Pat Smith of Central Arkansas.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.