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Geisinger Gets Senior Bowl Invitation 1/26/2005
Geisinger Gets Senior Bowl Invitation Former Commodore standout Justin Geisinger, who earned high marks for his offensive line play in the recent East-West Shrine Game, has been added to the prestigious Senior Bowl, scheduled this Saturday in Mobile, Ala. Another Commodore playing as a late addition to the recent all-star game, tailback Norval McKenzie, also made a favorable impression on pro scouts at the Las Vegas All-American Classic last Saturday. The 6’4″, 330-lb. Geisinger learned early Tuesday that he was a late addition to the postseason game that attracts hundreds of NFL scouts. By Tuesday night, he was in Mobile attending team meetings. While Geisinger becomes the 25th SEC player named to the bowl, he will be the only conference invitee participating for the North squad, according to Senior Bowl officials. Geisinger, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., will replace former University of Pittsburgh offensive tackle Rob Petitti. Geisinger, a four-year starter at left tackle for the Commodores, earned the invitation based on his excellent play in the East-West Game where he started at offensive left guard. He could play a third line position – right tackle – at the Senior Bowl. “The coaches were talking about playing right tackle. That’s fine with me,” Geisinger said. “It’s such an honor just to get the invitation, I don’t care where they put me.” Geisinger used the East-West Game to impress pro scouts. Using the game as an opportunity to show his versatility, Geisinger earned the highest grade of any offensive linemen on the winning East squad. Geisinger will become the first Commodore to participate in the Senior Bowl since teammates Jamie Duncan and Corey Chavous played in 1997. Both Duncan and Chavous are active in the NFL, playing for Atlanta and Minnesota, respectively. After getting a late invitation, McKenzie worked his way into the starting lineup for the West squad at the Las Vegas All-American Classic last Saturday. The product of Powder Springs, Ga., rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries and caught a pass, helping the West to a 21-16 victory. “It was a neat experience and it gave me an opportunity to go against some of the best players from around the country. I think I played pretty well, going from third string when I arrived to a starting position,” McKenzie said. Competing for the West squad, McKenzie faced several SEC players, including tailback DeCory Birmingham of Arkansas and cornerback Corey Larkins of Tennessee. Nearly 100 professional scouts – and a nationwide television audience – watched the inaugural Las Vegas All-American Classic. Most of the All-American Classic players are projected as late-round draft choices or potential free agents. |
