Three Rams accept invitations to play in postseason games

The Colorado State Rams football team is awaiting playing in the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl on Dec. 29, but that’s not the only postseason play the green and gold will participate in.

Three Rams — Sam Carlson, Kivon Cartwright and DeAndre Elliott — will all play in respective games after the season concludes to show off their talent to NFL scouts.

Tight end Cartwright will play in the East-West Shrine Game, making him the fifth Ram to play in that game in the last three years. Cartwright ended his CSU career with 75 receptions for 1,136 yards and 12 touchdowns, battling injuries all along the way. The tremendous tight end follows Shaquil Barrett, Crockett Gillmore, Bernard Blake and Garrett Grayson as Rams who have played in the prestigious game as of late. The East-West Shrine Game will be played Jan. 23 with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. MT.

Offensive lineman Carlson will compete in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which will be played Jan. 23 and kickoff at 2 p.m. MT, also. Carlson has blocked well for a strong CSU offense the last two years, starting all 25 games for the Rams as a junior and senior.

“I’m extremely honored to have been given this opportunity by the NFLPA and to represent Colorado State University,” Carlson said. “It’s another chance for me to play and showcase my abilities and I’m grateful to the NFLPA for the opportunity.”

Finally the cornerback Elliott will also play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with Carlson. As a senior, Elliott picked off two passes and also blocked a field goal; all three plays led to Rams touchdowns. In his career, Elliott enjoyed seven interceptions, including a 76-yard pick-6, with 123 tackles, 34 passes defended and two fumble recoveries.

So, hopefully you have picture-in-picture, as Cartwright and the East-West Shrine Game will be played on NFL Network at the same time the Collegiate Bowl will be played on ESPN2, each kicking off at 2 p.m. MT.