George Dawson and Jihaad Pretlow Compete in 2016 FCS Bowl

2016 FCS National Bowl
 
Bronx, N.Y. – Even though the season officially ended on November 19, two Fordham University senior football Rams had another game to play as linebacker George Dawson and defensive back Jihaad Pretlow appeared in the 2016 FCS Bowl in Daytona Beach, Florida, on December 4.
 
The FCS National Bowl is an annual post-season college football all-star game consisting of the top players from college football FCS schools. The inaugural FCS National Bowl was played in December 2014 at FIU Stadium and moved to Daytona Beach Stadium in Daytona Beach, in 2016 which is home to FCS Bethune-Cookman Football. The National Bowl and FCS Bowl all-star weekend for Non-FBS schools has been the only games of its kind to attract numerous NFL & CFL scouts.
 
Both Dawson and Pretlow played for the National Team, which fell to the American team, 33-16. Dawson finished the game with one tackle and one quarterback hurry while Pretlow had a pass breakup and returned a kickoff for 30 yards.
 
Both Dawson and Pretlow earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors in 2016.  
 
Dawson, a starter at strong side linebacker in 2016, made 70 total tackles, 50 solo, both team-highs. Included in his 70 stops were nine for loss (39 yards) and 3.5 sacks (18 yards). He also tied for the team lead with three interceptions and was second on the squad with nine pass breakups. Dawson, who also recorded two forced fumbles and recovered one fumble, tied for third in the Patriot League in interceptions, was 14th in tackles for loss and 16th in tackles/game.
 
Over his career, Dawson recorded 223 total tackles, 151 solo, including 24.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks. He also had five interceptions and 18 pass breakups.
 
Pretlow, who was All-League at both defensive back and kick returner, finished fourth on the 2016 squad with 46 total tackles, 38 solo, including two for loss and one sack. He also had a team-high eleven pass breakups and one interception. Pretlow was second in the Patriot League and 45th in the NCAA FCS in passes defended.
 
As a returner, Pretlow brought back 18 kickoffs for 511 yards (28.4 average) with a long of 83 yards. He leads the League and is ranked sixth in the NCAA FCS in kickoff return average.
 
The Rams closed out the season with an 8-3 overall record, 5-1 in the Patriot League. It is Fordham's fourth straight winning season, the first time the Rams have posted four consecutive winning campaigns since 1976-1979.