Bo Nicolas Paul’s college football career isn’t over just yet.
Nicolas-Paul, Army’s cornerback, accepted an invitation to play in the Tropical Bowl on Jan. 20 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
The senior told Black Knight Nation that a representative/scout for the all-star showcase contacted him after Army’s win over Navy on Dec. 9. About a week ago, an email with an invite to the bowl showed up in Nicolas-Paul’s inbox.
“This is an awesome opportunity,” Nicolas-Paul said. “I’m looking forward to representing not only my team but the academy and myself as a football player. It’s just a blessing to get this extra opportunity to do what I love.”
Nicolas-Paul enjoyed his best season at West Point in 2022. He tied for the team lead with three interceptions including two in a 23-3 win over No. 17 Air Force. Nicolas-Paul said he was so focused on beating Navy in the season finale that he wasn’t thinking about his football future. The Tropical Bowl invite could open up some options for Nicolas-Paul with NFL scouts and scouts from other professional league in attendance.
“I love football and if it aligns with the mission of the academy and my future for the Army where I get a shot to pursue my dreams in the sport then blessed be God, it would be an amazing opportunity to do so,” said Nicolas-Paul, who will branching in the armor division following his graduation from West Point.
“If the opportunity is there, the (Tropical Bowl) game alone will be a chance to not only just complete, which is always the main thing and the best part about sports in general, but there’s some possible recognition that may be out there. I just continue to put my best foot forward and exert all of my effort to work my hardest and if the opportunities continue to align and everything makes sense, I’m most definitely going to pursue that route for sure.”
Nicolas-Paul said he plans on participating in Army’s Pro Day, which will be held before the NFL draft. He received first-team all-Independent honors from Phil Steele and the College Football Network. His breakout season is a testament to Nicolas-Paul always being ready when his number was called.
“I believe throughout my career regardless of the amount of snaps, every time I’ve been on the field and there’s a chance to make a play, I’m going to make the play,” Nicolas-Paul said. “My senior year, I had the blessing to do that a lot more.”
