As if starting a new journey in an entirely different country isn’t unique enough, some international players will get the chance of a lifetime when EA Sports releases its long awaited remake of the College Football 25 game this summer.
The NFL Academy – a program that launched in 2019 to help international players develop life-altering opportunities through American football – announced that a group of former players will be in the new video game.
Locally, Boston College recruit Pape Abdoulaye Sy and UMass’ Ott Eric Ottender are representing the region. There are 15 alumni total from the program based in England that will be representing their college teams from around the country.
Abdoulaye Sy is from Senegal and was almost secretly recruited by now former head coach Jeff Hafley and his staff. The 6’7,” 300+ lbs. offensive linemen will be making his American debut this spring and while still a raw talent, could develop into a superstar up front given his size and athletic ability. Abdoulaye Sy was also heavily recruited by former star linemen Chris Snee.
Ottender – a wide receiver originally from Estonia – has a bit of a jump on Abdoulaye as far as USA assimilation goes as he joined the Minuteman program last year, but only red shirted. He did appear in one game against Miami of Ohio. At 5’11,” and 185lbs. Ottender appears to be more of a slot type, but could turn into something more. It’ll be interesting to see if he can make a name for himself on the roster in spring and summer camp.
While the schools help take care of NIL stuff for guys, international players may have to work a bit harder to earn some deals given how little most fans and donors or sponsors know about them. Being in a video game as big as this one is not only a unique opportunity, but may be a way for fans to get to know and fall in love with players from all across the world.
Abdoulaye and Ottender are now a part of New England football and college football history as two of the first NFL Academy guys to be in this legendary video game franchise.
Not a bad way to start your budding college career before ever really stepping on the field.