LAS VEGAS -  Before this week, Sam Webb had never stepped foot in Las Vegas.  But Sin City is the next stop and the next crucial step for the Griffon cornerback's goal of making an NFL roster.

The Excelsior Springs, Mo. native is one of just a small handful of NCAA Division II players to earn an invite to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl.  The game, which will kickoff tonight (Feb. 3) in Vegas, is one of the premiere college football all-star showcases. Webb a 6-2, 195-pound will suit up for the West.  

The May, 2021 Missouri Western graduate completed his extra Covid season of eligibility for the Griffons in the fall of 2021, and finished his career with 79 tackles, 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 26 pass break-ups.  

Webb is the first Griffon to play in the Shrine Bowl since Mike Jordan in 2016.  David Bass (2013) and Greg Zuerlein (2012) also earned invites to the game. All three went onto play in the NFL. 

The Shrine Bowl has been in existence since 1925. This year's version begins at 7:00 pm (CST) in Las Vegas.