Raymond earns all-star game MVP honors

Posted Feb 7, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Feb 7, 2011 at 03:58 PM

Mistral Raymond’s final football game representing the University of South Florida turned out to be a memorable one as he earned MVP honors at the inaugural Dixie Gridiron Classic, which was held Saturday in St. George, Utah.

Raymond was credited with seven tackles, an interception and two forced fumbles in the Mountain all-star’s 17-13 victory over the Pacific.

“It was a very good game,” said Raymond, who also served as a captain for the Mountain squad. “Our team, we scored points off two of my turnovers, so I’d like to think I played a pretty key role in the victory. The coaches came up to me after the game and acknowledged that I was the most valuable player of the game. ... It was a great way to represent that USF emblem one last time.”

While the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game, the two big college football all-star games, draw heavy attention from NFL scouts, Raymond said he didn’t see a whole lot of next-level talent evaluators in attendance. The only direct interaction he had with a representative from a professional team was with a coach from a UFL squad. That part was a bit disappointing, but Raymond said it didn’t take anything away from his overall experience.

“I had a great time out there,” Raymond said.

Raymond said he will continue working out in Atlanta before returning to Tampa for USF’s Pro Day on March 22.