Louisville Defensive End Marcus Smith Headed To The Senior Bowl

Newly-crowned AAC Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smith continued his big week on Thursday by accepting an invitation to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. on Jan. 25.

Smith will become the first Cardinal to play in the game since Bilal Powell and Johnny Patrick both accepted invitations back in 2010. Both of those guys are currently employed by the NFL.

The week-long practice that precedes the Senior Bowl is generally more significant than the game itself. The practices are attended by key NFL personnel (coaches, general managers, scouts, etc.), who oversee the players as possible prospects for pro football, as well as members of the media who keep tabs on the winners and losers from the week.

Roughly thirty percent of the NFL is made up of players who competed in the Senior Bowl, a remarkably high number when you consider that underclassmen are prohibited from participating.

This is a terrific honor and opportunity for Marcus. Well deserved.