Before they play together in Spartan Stadium, Isaiah Lewis and Mylan Hicks will get a taste of college ball by the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach.
Hicks, a four-star cornerback from Detroit Renaissance (Mich.) and Lewis, a four-star safety from Indianapolis Ben Davis (Ind.), were both selected as Offense-Defense All-Americans and will play in the January 2nd game.
“I can't wait," Hicks said, "This is a great opportunity to play against the best players in the nation and I want to show what I can do.”
“Mylan’s a great, great cover corner," said O-D's Brett Toler, "From what I saw on film, he can shut down just about anybody. He has a great attitude, which is important for the game. He is very respectful and seems like he has everything in line. He’s a great kid. Personally, I think he’s a little underrated.”
Last season, Indy area stars Jordan Luallen and Montez Robinson represented the Hoosier State well at the game and the playmaking Lewis should continue that.
"Isaiah’s a kid who plays bigger, who hits really hard and plays really good safety," Toler explained, "To have those two guys competing is great. MSU, with this recruiting class, they’re on the rise. Defensively, they got two really standout defensive backs. To have Mylan and Isaiah here, I'm expecting nothing but great things."
With this being the fourth installment of the Bowl, Toler feels players like Lewis and Hicks are part of the evolution of this game into a national spectacle.
“I honestly feel our talent level is equal to that of the other two games. That’s going to help this game as far as people knowing a little more about the game. Another something cool, a little different, is we're doing a youth All-American game. These 10, 11 and 12 year olds will be able to see how these top guys in the nation perform."
Scout.com will have full coverage of the O-D Bowl later this year.