Marks going pro

By Andrew Gribble
Auburn University Beat Reporter
Published: December 30, 2008

Sen’Derrick Marks will skip his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft.

Marks, a Prichard native, will meet with local reporters some time this afternoon.

“I’ve had a great experience during the last four years at Auburn,” Marks said in a statement. “However, I feel that it’s in my best interest to enter my name into the 2009 NFL Draft. It’s always been a dream of mine and I feel that I’m ready to advance to the next level.

“Auburn is, and always will be a special place to me. I want to thank all of my coaches at Auburn for giving me the opportunity to play college football and get an education. The Auburn family and my teammates have always been very supportive of my family and me, and for that I’m very appreciative.”

Playing through a number of injuries, including two sprained ankles, Marks collected 32 tackles, including 10 for a loss this season. He was a Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference selection as voted on by league coaches.

Marks, a big and extremely affable defensive tackle, is definitely NFL ready, standing at 6-foot-2 and roughly 300 pounds. He’s been projected anywhere from mid-first round to mid-second. With the multiple injuries he suffered this season, you can’t blame him for getting out relatively healthy while he can.

Marks’ good buddy and fellow Mobile area native Antonio Coleman will hold a press conference at Williamson High on Saturday to announce whether or not he will return for his senior season. Coleman recently collected his diploma and is projected anywhere from the second to fourth round by multiple draft scouting Web sites.