MIAMI, Fla. – Two players who recently exhausted their eligibility at Southwestern Oklahoma State University got one last chance to wear a Bulldog helmet and represent SWOSU at the fourth-annual National Bowl Game last Sunday (Dec. 8).
Ryan Corbin and
Jim O'Brien were among 100 players from Non-Football Bowl Subdivision schools chosen for the game. As part of the bowl weekend festivities, Corbin was awarded the inaugural James Pratt Faith and Courage Award, which goes to a player who best exemplifies faith and courage when facing adversity. The award was named after former National Bowl participant James Pratt of Virginia State, who passed away suddenly in 2013.
Corbin overcame adversity both on and off the field during his career at SWOSU. In May 2011, he survived a devastating tornado in his hometown of Newcastle, Okla., which destroyed his family home. After returning to Weatherford and earning honorable mention all-conference honors in 2010, Corbin suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 2011 season opener.
The comeback by the 6-4 tight end was nothing short of spectacular. Corbin earned a First Team All-Great American Conference selection and third team All-Super Region Three honors in 2012 – his first season back from injury – and he entered his senior season as a Preseason All-American.
His senior season will go down as one of the great offensive seasons in SWOSU football history. Corbin established a new SWOSU and Great American Conference single-season record with 78 receptions and his 914 receiving yards is also the best mark in school history. He hauled in seven touchdown passes and rushed for five more, leading the Bulldogs in both categories. Corbin graduates from SWOSU as the school's career leader in receptions, 183, and he ranks fourth in receiving yards with 1,850. For his efforts, he has been named a Unanimous First Team All-GAC and All-Super Region 3 selection and he is currently on the All-American ballot.
"What a blessing to be chosen to play in the National Bowl Game and to be given this award is truly an honor," Corbin said. "I have battled some adversity throughout my career, but it has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be. It has been a great ride and I am blessed to have had so much support from my family and friends. The National Bowl Game was definitely an awesome closing chapter to my collegiate career."
Corbin and O'Brien played for the victorious Red Nation team in the National Bowl Game, defeating the Blue Nation 40-26. Corbin displayed his versatility for the Red Nation offense, carrying the ball twice for 11 yards while making one reception for eight yards. O'Brien, the leading tackler among Great American Conference defensive lineman this season, moved back to outside linebacker for the game and led the Red Nation defense with seven total tackles.
"Having the opportunity to play in the National Bowl was a true blessing," O'Brien said. "Getting to represent SWOSU and put on that Bulldog helmet one more time was awesome and the fact that we played well and got the win capped off an enjoyable and successful trip!"
