Jan. 27, 2010
Mobile, Ala. – Vanderbilt offensive tackle Thomas Welch will get to chance to impress National Football League scouts this Saturday after being added to the Under Armour Senior Bowl roster.
Welch, a two-year starter from Brentwood, Tenn., will play for the North squad in the prestigious Senior Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., in Mobile’s Ladd-Peeples Stadium. The NFL Network will televise the game.
Welch becomes the fourth Commodore since 2005 to play in the Senior Bowl, joining offensive tackle Chris Williams (2008), quarterback Jay Cutler (2006) and offensive lineman Justin Geisinger (2005). Williams and Cutler used the game and practice sessions leading to kickoff to showcase their skills, and eventually become first round draft picks.
Welch was added to the North squad Tuesday after Illinois lineman Jon Asamoah dropped out of the game. Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, a former top assistant for the Tennessee Titans, will guide the team.
“I’m definitely excited about the opportunity,” Welch said from Mobile Wednesday. “It gives me a great chance to show scouts what I bring to the field. I just ready to participate in my first practice and get as prepared as I can for the game on Saturday.
Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson applauded the addition of Welch into the Senior Bowl. “That’s fantastic news for Thomas. He’s very deserving of the opportunity to play in the game. The scouts will be impressed with what they see.”
In five years at Vanderbilt, Welch, 6-7, 310, has transformed from a high school quarterback/tight end/defensive end at Brentwood to an offensive lineman. Considered a preseason All-Southeastern Conference pick, Welch moved to left tackle and twice earned the team’s Offensive Player of the Week honors before an ankle injury limited his mobility and availability in four November games.
In recent weeks, Welch has been training with Commodore teammates under the guidance of Vanderbilt Speed, Strength and Conditioning Director John Sisk, preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled Feb. 27-March 2 in Indianapolis. Another Commodore standout, cornerback Myron Lewis, will join Welch at the combine.