A look at Westlake football players in this season’s collegiate bowl games

Little Caesars Bowl
Marshall vs. Ohio

When: Saturday, noon

Network: ESPN

2005 Westlake graduate Steven Jackson, below, will be at the game but won’t suit up for Ohio, the Mid-American Conference East champions, because of a groin injury. The injury has sidetracked a promising career for Jackson, a 6-2, 200-pound senior defensive back who had drawn the attention of NFL scouts. A former District 25-5A defensive MVP at Westlake, Jackson had 71 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions during an all-conference season in 2008.

Independence Bowl

Texas A&M vs. Georgia

When: Monday, 4 p.m.

Network: ESPN2

The 6-6 Aggies have a pair of 2009 Westlake graduates on their team, including former district MVP Ryan Swope, below, and preferred walk-on wide receiver Mike Walker. Swope earned his prep stripes as a running back but has shown promise as a freshman receiver for the Ags. For the season, he has 15 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. In addition, he took over the kickoff return duties in the season finale against Texas and had seven returns for 180 yards.

Holiday Bowl

Arizona vs. Nebraska

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Network: ESPN

2007 Westlake graduate Nick Foles, top, looks to continue his remarkable redshirt sophomore season for the 8-4 Wildcats against a fearsome Nebraska defense that includes Heisman finalist Ndamakuh Suh. Arizona started slow before naming Foles their starting quarterback four games into the season. Since then, the 6-5, 235-pound signal caller has thrown for 2,438 yards and 19 touchdowns on 66-percent passing.

BCS National Championship Game

Texas vs. Alabama

When: Jan. 7, 7 p.m.

Network: ABC

The undefeated Longhorns seek their second national championship in the past five years, and punter Justin Tucker, below, could play a pivotal role. The sophomore, a 2008 graduate of Westlake, punted 39 times for an average of 40.6 yards per kick this season, pinning 15 punts inside the 20-yard line. He also kicked off 95 times and had 14 touchbacks. In addition, 2007 Westlake grad Matt Nader remains involved with the Longhorns as a student assistant on scholarship. He no longer plays football because of a heart condition.