April 25, 2005

New York, NY. - Grand Valley State's three-time All-American defensive tackle, Keyonta Marshall, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the NFL draft Sunday afternoon. Marshall was the 247th overall pick in the draft and became the second Laker to be selected in the NFL draft in the last two years.

"It's mind blowing. Those are the only two words that come to my mind," Marshall said. "You dream of just being able to play in the NFL, but to go to a team like Philadelphia of such a high-caliber is amazing."

Marshall was the most decorated defensive player in GVSU football history. In addition to being a three-time All-American, Marshall was a three-time GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year honoree and the Defensive MVP of the Division II All-Star Cactus Bowl. He tallied 230 total tackles, 26 QB sacks, and 69 tackles for loss (-224 yards) during his career. Marshall notched a career-high 25 tackles for loss and 66 total tackles during his senior campaign.

"It was definitely relief, the seventh round was about to finish up," Marshall said. "I was preparing myself to be a free agent. Out of the blue, Philadelphia's number showed up on my caller ID. I looked at the TV and saw that they had the next pick, so I thought this might be it."

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