BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb senior Brian Johnston has accepted an invitation to play in the 2008 Hula Bowl, one of the nation's top showcases for NFL Draft prospects annually.

Johnston (6-5, 280) will play in the game on Saturday, January 12, in Honolulu, on the same turf that annually hosts the NFL Pro Bowl. He is the first Gardner-Webb player to accept an invitation to the Hula Bowl, and is the first Bulldog to play in one of the nation's top all-star games since offensive lineman Richard Williams (Blue-Gray Game, 2001).

The Hula Bowl will feature some of the nation's top senior prospects, who will showcase their talent during a week of practice and on gameday for a host of NFL scouts and personnel.

The Hula Bowl, in its 62nd year, will divide its talent into two teams, the Aina (East) and Kai (West). The squads will be coached by Illinois' skipper Ron Zook and Oregon State's Mike Riley.

With its rich history, the Hula Bowl has seen some of the college game's biggest names among is competitors, from legends like Doak Walker, Mike Garrett, Jim Plunkett, Tony Dorsett and Billy Sims to current NFL stars Drew Brees (Saints), Steve Smith (Panthers) and Antwaan Randle-El (Redskins).

Johnston (San Diego, Calif. / Madison HS) was named to a pair of All-America teams already in early December, and enjoyed a tremendous senior season at Gardner-Webb, totaling 74 tackles, 24.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures.

His efforts helped GWU rank nearly 70 spots better nationally in total defense in 2007, as the ‘Dogs led the Big South Conference in total defense this past season.

Johnston finished as the Big South Conference's career leader in sacks (20.5), tackles for loss and quarterback pressures – as well as tackles by a defensive lineman (269).

The big defensive end – who was timed at 4.73 in the 40-yard dash last April – recently signed with veteran agent Tony Agnone, who also represents current NFL stars Michael Strahan (Giants), Patrick Kearney (Seahawks), John Abraham (Falcons), Osi Umenyiora (Giants) and Antwan Odom (Titans), among others.