While they did not get to play in a traditional bowl game, offensive lineman Garret Frye and linebacker Edwin Jackson were given the chance to play in the Medal of Honor Bowl.

“I’m just so excited about those guys,” head coach Willie Fritz said. “I wish we could have gotten a couple other guys invited to that game, but those are hard games to get to.”

The Medal of Honor Bowl was proposed to fill in the gap of the Legend’s Bowl for the December Bowl Season sanctioned by the National College Athletic Association. In October of 2014, the committee announced its plans to play a college all-star game, and, in December, they began inviting some of the best athletes in college football to join the roster.

Among those chosen was standout senior linebacker Jackson. He garnered major attention for himself throughout the year with his deceptive speed and teeth rattling hits. Jackson led the team with exactly 100 tackles and managed to pull down one interception that he returned for 48 yards against South Alabama.

The other Eagle selected to represent the blue and white was senior offensive lineman Frye. He has been a leader throughout his career at Georgia Southern and has made a name for himself on NFL scout sheets. He excelled this season and was given the recognition of being named to the All-Sun Belt team.

Both players were selected to play for the American team against the National team. The game between some of the best college football players in the country kicked off on Saturday. Jackson saw the majority of the play time at middle linebacker as he finished the game with four tackles and one for a loss. Frye alternated in the offense every other drive and helped the American team put up two scores in the 26-14 loss.

“I was proud of watching them compete, because I knew they would,” Fritz said. “Nobody will out-compete or outwork those two guys. They’re good students, they love football, love to compete, love to practice, love to lift weights and they’re what you look for.”

The showing was a good opportunity for both players to raise their draft stock before the pro days and combines begin in the coming months. The NFL Draft will be held April 30 to May 2.