Eric Olsen was the fourth Notre Dame player selected in the 2010 NFL Draft and the sixth former Irish offensive lineman picked in the last five NFL Drafts.

McCarthy, Olsen And Young Selected For Senior Bowl

Dec. 28, 2009

Mobile, Ala. – Safety Kyle McCarthy, center Eric Olsen and right tackle Sam Young have all accepted invitations to the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl, officials announced today. The game is scheduled for January 30th at 3 pm (CT) in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised live by the NFL Network.

McCarthy led the Fighting Irish with 101 total tackles this season. His 240 career tackles ranks second on Notre Dame’s all-time list for defensive backs. He is tied for 19th in the nation this season with five interceptions and is the first defensive back in school history to post consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons (110 in 2008, 101 in 2009). The Youngstown, Ohio native is also one of only two players from a BCS school to rank in the top 100 in interceptions, total tackles and solo tackles this season.

“I’m definitely excited to come down there and compete with some of the best football players in the country,” McCarthy said. “I feel like I have a lot to prove to the scouts and all the people in the NFL and I hope to use the Senior Bowl to show them that I am a well rounded athlete.”

Olsen, who can play multiple positions on the offensive line, was named Notre Dame’s offensive co-captain this season. He finished his career with 31 consecutive starts and was named a third team Sporting News All-American this year. After playing both guard positions during his sophomore and junior seasons, Olsen started every game for the Irish at center this season. He was named the Guardian of the Year at the season-ending football banquet, presented annually to the top offensive lineman on the Irish roster, after allowing only one sack in over 450 pass attempts this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for me, Kyle and Sam to play with some of the great players in the country,” Olsen said. “It’s really exciting and I’m thankful for the opportunity to show off my talents.”

Young was a staple on Notre Dame’s offensive line since he stepped foot on campus. His 50 career starts are the most in school history and he is the only Notre Dame offensive lineman to start every game since his freshman year. The Coral Springs, Fla. native allowed just two sacks all season and helped the Irish finish the season ranked ninth in the country in total offense, averaging 451.75 yards per game.

“I’ve talked to both Eric and Kyle and when we found out that we were invited we were ecstatic,” Young said. “It’s an opportunity to not only showcase your ability but also to go up against the best of the best.”

The Under Armour Senior Bowl is college football’s premier pre-draft event, annually featuring the nation’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 National Football League teams, making Mobile and the Under Armour Senior Bowl the week-long host to a one-of-a-kind NFL Coaches Convention. For more information on the 2009 Under Armour Senior Bowl please visit the bowl’s website at www.seniorbowl.com.

Tickets for the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.

-ND-