Inaugural Cajun All-Star Bowl to kick off in Louisiana in February

Bryan K. Beasley couldn’t simply stand by and watch talented college football players get stuck in the shadows and not get the opportunity to become professional athletes.

That’s why he’s helping to launch a new college football all-star game to showcase players from smaller schools, including historically Black colleges and universities, Division II schools, Football Championship Subdivision programs and Division I prospects who could otherwise fall through the cracks and not get the exposure they need from NFL, CFL, XFL and Spring League scouts and coaches.

The executive director of the inaugural Cajun All-Star Bowl, a former Northwestern State (La.) linebacker, can’t wait for Feb. 13 to kick off the new all-star game at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. The game is expected to be televised nationally on ESPN.

Photo: Getty Images

“My vision is to take on those guys who get overlooked and to find those hidden gems,” Beasley said in a telephone interview. “I want to get as many of those guys evaluated and in front of the NFL scouts. I’m aiming to have two or three NFL draft picks and a ton of undrafted free agents. 

"We’re going to have a lot of fun and a lot of Southern hospitality. I feel very excited about everything. This is something that’s much bigger than me. It’s going to do so much for these players, for the scouts and for the community and the people of Louisiana.”

Beasley is hoping to concentrate a lot of his scouting efforts on picking players from the South, including Louisiana and Texas. The hope is to have more than 100 players total between the two teams.

“There’s a lot of talent coming out of those areas,” he said. "We're going to find that talent and sign them up for the game."

The city of Shreveport is standing behind the efforts to organize the game, including Mayor Adrian Perkins, and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. Luis Tejada, who has extensive relationships with the Pac-12 Conference, has been named the game’s chief operating officer.

“It has been great support from the Shreveport community and they’ve treated us really well,” Beasley said. “Everybody I’ve talked to is pretty excited.”

One of the head coaches for the game is former Grambling and Alcorn State coach Melvin Spears.

Photo: Getty Images

“He’s instrumental as a coach and a liaison to the HBCUs and is a prominent figure who has great relationships with everybody,” Beasley said.

Organizing an all-star game involves a ton of details and funding, but it’s all coming together so far in a way that’s encouraging to Beasley.

“We’ve figured out our budge and we’ve got the Hilton hotel and have the conference room at the Convention Center for the teams to conduct interviews,” Beasley said.

The timing of the game, after the Super Bowl and Senior Bowl and before the NFL scouting combine, should allow for more exposure.

The city is planning its Mardi Gras festival for that week and having a crawfish cookoff.

“The NFL teams aren’t traveling that week, so it should be ideal,” Beasley said. “Come down and have a lot of crawfish and find a hidden gem football player.

“I want high-character guys and I want them to learn about the process associated with the draft and to prepare for life after the draft. I’m all about second chances. We’re going to do things the right way and make this a great experience for everyone. I can’t wait.”

Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content