Justin Pugh will be one of two non-seniors to play in the 2013 Senior Bowl on Jan. 26, the first time any non-seniors have played in the game.

Pugh, who decided to forego his final year of eligibility to declare for the NFL Draft, is able to play because he completed four years of school and earned his degree, according to a press release. Alabama offensive lineman D.J. Fluker is the other non-senior to be playing in the game.

An All-Big East First Team selection for the past two seasons, Pugh started every during his four seasons at Syracuse. The left tackle missed the first four games of 2012 after having shoulder surgery in the offseason.

Pugh’s return stabilized the offensive line as it blocked for 1,000-yard rusher Jerome Smith.

“It is an honor to bring Justin to the Senior Bowl as a 4th year junior graduate,” Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage said in the press release. “He has excelled on the field as well as in the classroom, so he is deserving of being here and will have an opportunity to really elevate his stock for the upcoming NFL Draft.”

Pugh will play on the North team with former Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib.

The Senior Bowl, played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., is a showcase for some of the country’s best players to show off their skills in front of NFL scouts as they prepare for the NFL Draft in April.

Pugh is a potential first-round pick, though CBSsports.com projects him to go in the second round.

Published on January 19, 2013 at 4:14 pm

Contact Chris: cjiseman@syr.edu | @chris_iseman