Robinson, Weber accept bids to 2007 Hula Bowl

[NOV. 15, 2006]  NORMAL -- For the second time in two years, the Illinois State football program will have two representatives at the Hula Bowl. Senior wide receiver Laurent Robinson and senior long snapper Jake Weber have accepted invitations to play in the 2007 Cornerstone Bancard Hula Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 14.

Robinson and Weber join former Illinois State products Brent Hawkins and Ryan Hoffman as the only Redbird participants to play in the all-star classic in the last 60 years. The Redbirds have left their mark on the game, however, as Hawkins was the most valuable defensive player in the 2006 game and Hoffman took home the special teams MVP honor.

The announcement for Robinson comes on the heels of him becoming Illinois State's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. Robinson has had a stellar career as a Redbird, despite being hobbled with an ankle injury through most of the 2006 season. To date, Robinson has caught 178 passes for 2,773 yards and 27 touchdowns, while being named the Gateway Football Conference's Offensive Player of the Year in 2006.

"I have wanted to play in this game ever since I found out that Hawk (Brent Hawkins) was going over to play there last year," Robinson said. "I have never been to Hawaii, and I'm really excited about the opportunity. It's like a dream come true."

Weber has handled the snapping duties on the punt team since his arrival at Illinois State in 2003. He has also been the team's short snapper since 2005. Rated as one of the top five long snappers in all of college football by many NFL scouts, Weber is known for his consistent and accurate snaps.

"I was really surprised and really happy (when I found out)," Weber said. "Personally, it will give me an opportunity to get my name out there, face some of the best competition and possibly help me get to the next level. I never thought in a million years that something like this would happen. When I came to Illinois State, my goal was just to make the team and maybe play in a game or two. To be able to go this far (because of my long snapping) is simply amazing."

The game will be televised on ESPN and is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Central.

[Illinois State University news release provided by Todd Kober, assistant athletics director, media relations]

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