Hobart College senior offensive lineman
Ali Marpet was named to the 2014 American Football Coaches Association All-America team today. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound tackle also accepted an invitation to play in the 2015 Reese's Senior Bowl this week.
Marpet is just the sixth Statesman to earn All-American honors from the AFCA, joining defensive end
Tyre Coleman (2013), offensive guard Alex Bell (2004), defensive back Brian Verdon (1986), running back Rich Kowalski (1975), and running back Don Aleksiewicz (1972). The AFCA selects just one All-America team in Division III, 11 on offense, 11 on defense, and three special teams players. The AFCA named its first All-America team in 1945.
The Reese's Senior Bowl will be played on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The game will be televised by the NFL Network with kickoff set for 3 p.m. CT (4 p.m. ET). Marpet is the first Hobart player to be invited to the Senior Bowl.
"When we recruited Ali, we were excited about his athletic potential and thought he could be a very good player for us on the offensive front," Hobart Offensive Coordinator Kevin DeWall said. "To his credit, he hasn't relied just on being a great athlete. Ali has a very good work ethic and has prepared himself the right way on and off the field, which when combined with his physical and skill development throughout his four years, has resulted in an impressive career. He's wanted to get better since Day 1, and Ali has put forth the effort to improve from practice to practice, and season to season."
Marpet started all 13 games this season at left tackle, protecting quarterback
Patrick Conlan's blindside. He did not allow a sack this year while the Statesmen rank sixth in the nation in sacks allowed (0.69/g) and tackles for loss allowed (3.54/g). The Hobart offense averaged 373.6 yards per game this season, including 202.8 rushing.
Marpet's unrivaled control of the line of scrimmage earned unprecedented accolades this year. He's the first offensive lineman in Liberty League history to earn a share of the Offensive Player of the Year award. The three-year starter earned first team All-Liberty League honors in each of the past three seasons. Marpet has been named to the D3football.com All-East teams, earning first team recognition this season following second team honors in 2012 and 2013.
During his four years on campus, Marpet and the Statesmen went 41-5, including three straight undefeated regular seasons (2012-14). Hobart is the four time defending Liberty League Champion and has played in four straight NCAA Championships, advancing to the quarterfinal round in 2012 and 2014.
Nearly every NFL team has sent a scout to a Hobart game or practice to evaluate Marpet, who aspires to play in the NFL next season.
"As a two-time captain and strong leader for our program, Ali has shown his teammates how to do things the right way, which along with the leadership of his classmates, has strengthened the culture of our team and helped them accomplish the great things they have done on and off the field," DeWall said. "His invitation to the Senior Bowl and his selection as a first team All-American are both very special recognitions, and also very deserving. I'm proud of Ali's development and what he has accomplished thus far, and eager to see his progress moving forward as he looks to extend his playing career in the NFL this spring."
