Mobile, AL. (Jan. 18)—With the way he emerged as one of AJ McCarron's favorite targets during Alabama's run to the BCS National Championship, it should surprise no one that tight end Brad Smelley recently recorded another reception. Smelley received and accepted an invitation to the 2012 Senior Bowl, it was announced today. Alabama now leads all schools with seven invitees, although due to various injuries all may not be able to participate. The 2012 Senior Bowl is set for 3pm (CT) on Saturday, January 28th in Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game and all practices will be televised live by NFL Network.
"Brad really came on strong down the stretch in some big games for Alabama," Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. "He proved to be a reliable threat in the passing game but has also shown the ability to be a very good blocker."
Smelley closed out his career in style, hauling in a career-best seven catches for 39 yards in the BCS National Championship against LSU. It was the latest in a string of big games for the Tuscaloosa native, who finished the year with 17 receptions for 183 yards and three touchdowns in the Tide's final three games. He totaled 34 catches (2nd most on team) for 356 yards and four scores on the season—all career highs.
With the addition of Smelley to the South roster, the Senior Bowl has now featured an Alabama tight end each of the last four years. Travis McCall started the trend in 2009, followed by Colin Peek in 2010 and Preston Dial last year.
Smelley leaves Alabama with 54 receptions for 559 yards and four touchdowns. He made 12 career starts and appeared in 46 games. Other Crimson Tide players to accept Senior Bowl invites this year include offensive lineman William Vlachos, linebacker Courtney Upshaw, cornerback DeQuan Menzie, safety Mark Barron, wide receiver Marquis Maze and defensive tackle Josh Chapman.
Tickets for the 2012 Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket office (151 Dauphin Street), all area Food For Less locations, select Regions Bank locations, online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.
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About the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is college football's premier senior showcase event, annually featuring the nation's best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 National Football League teams, making Mobile and the Senior Bowl the week-long host to a one-of-a-kind NFL Coaches Convention. For more information on the 2012 Senior Bowl please visit the bowl's website at www.seniorbowl.com.
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