UH senior wide receiver Donnie Avery made the most of his game time in the 2008 Under Armour Senior Bowl on Saturday in Mobile, Ala. With his team down by six and less than three minutes left in the game, Avery pulled down a pass for a first down during the final drive, to help ensure the South team’s 17-16 victory.
"It was exciting and it was interesting, but we had to pull it together like we did in practice and get our win," Avery said.
"It was a good week for me to exploit my talent to the rest of the world and show NFL guys what I can do out of the University of Houston type of offense."
Avery came in third in all-purpose yards of players from both teams in the game, behind Tulane running back Matt Forte and California wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins. Avery had 54 yards on three catches, including a game-long 22-yard catch in the last drive of the game.
"I guess I’m greedy because I always want the ball," Avery said. "I wish I got it more, but we still won."
The South team never led in the game, but a field goal by Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu with 9:27 left put the South within six in the fourth quarter. On the following drive, the South defense forced the North squad to turn the ball over on downs to give the South team the ball on its own 14 with 2:48 left to play.
The South squad completed 14 plays for 86 yards in the next 2:48, and Florida wide receiver Andre Caldwell ran it in from the 2-yard line as time expired to tie the game. Coutu hit the point after touchdown to give the South the win.
"It’s an honor (to play in the game) because our guys are in the top of their class and I’m one at the top at my position," Avery said.
"I told all UH fans and family I know to watch the game because I’m representing the University of Houston."
