Razorbacks headed to Texas football all-star game

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Former University of Arkansas cornerback Jamar Love and offensive tackle Jose Valdez will participate in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge on Jan. 31, 2009, at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

The game matches top collegiate players originally from Texas or who play in the state against players from around the country. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT and will be nationally televised by CBS College Sports Network.

Love (North Little Rock, Ark.) appeared in 41 games and made nine starts during his Razorback career. He finished with 79 career tackles (54 unassisted, 25 assisted) and broke up 15 passes. During the 2008 season, Love had 39 tackles (25 unassisted, 14 assisted), including three for a loss in nine games of action. He defended a career-high eight passes last season, which were the second-leading total on the team.

Valdez (St. Francis, Wis.) made 38 career appearances at offensive tackle and started 22 games. As a senior, he started all 12 games and helped pave the way for tailback Michael Smith (1,072) to become the ninth player in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season.

Love and Valdez are two of three Razorbacks competing in post-season all-star games. Center Jonathan Luigs is representing Arkansas in the Under Armour Senior Bowl on Jan. 24, in Mobile, Ala. The Senior Bowl will be televised by the NFL Network.