Nantucket star football players Justin Bloise and Makai Bodden flew home from Dallas, Texas thankful for the experience to play in the Dream All-American Bowl. Their team won 21-13 and each player had a catch. Bloise produced a highlight-type play with 65-yard reception. Both players said they played a lot of snaps
“It was a really great experience,” Bodden said. “From the fantastic coaches to the fantastic players I met from all around. I really liked the fact that within 3 days we all had the brotherhood I want to feel playing football in college. Playing at AT&T Stadium was crazy. When I walked out I just pictured the stadium packed and there wasn’t a better feeling. Definitely one of the best football events I’ve attended”
Bloise said they did more than just play football while down in Texas. They were able to go ice skating and try out different restaurants. He said the whole experience was a dream come true.
“The Dream All-American Bowl experience overall was great,” Bloise said. “The ring ceremony, the NFL coaches, and just competing against other football players from across the country at AT&T Stadium. I learned new stuff and schemes that will translate to when I play at SHU (Sacred Heart University). I learned how to read a defense better, hand signals, and a no huddle offense. It was great to spend time with family and friends in Texas.”
The duo kicked their weekend off by attending a ring ceremony. They received beautiful rings as you can see in the picture below.
Bloise and Bodden also participated in three practices with dozens of other players from all over the United States. Bodden said they learned IMG Academy’s whole offensive playbook this weekend. IMG Academy is one of the top high school football prep schools in the country and is located in Bradenton, Florida. Their football team has ranked in the top 10 nationally for five straight years.
Bodden said it was a great experience working with all of the coaches who have convened in Texas, including former NFL receiver Joe Horn, who served as the head coach of Bodden and Bloise’s team.
Horn had a tremendous 12-year NFL career, finishing with 603 receptions, 8,744 receiving yards, and 58 touchdowns. Horn enjoyed most of his success with the New Orleans Saints, where he played for seven seasons from 2000-2006 and was selected to all four of his Pro Bowls during that time.
Horn’s son, Jaycee Horn, was the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was in Dallas to help his father coach the team on Monday. Jaycee is a cornerback and was the first defensive player drafted last spring. He played his college ball at the University of South Carolina. He recorded five tackles and an interception in three games this season before his rookie season was cut short after fracturing his foot in a week 3 game against the Houston Texans.
Bodden and Bloise also had the option to participate in a combine and National Showcase, which featured a 7v7 session.
While Bloise has verbally committed to Sacred Heart University to join their Div. I football program, Bodden is still unsure of where he will take his talents and has not made a decision about where he will continue his playing career in college.
