CHICAGO, Ill. – Former Towson University cornerback Tye Smith was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2015 National Football League (NFL) Draft on Saturday afternoon.

Smith, the sixth player from Towson to be chosen in the NFL Draft, was selected 170^th overall.

In 2014, Terrance West became the highest Tiger ever selected, going in the third round (94^th overall) to the Cleveland Browns. Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round at pick No. 125 overall in 2007. Running backs David Meggett (1989) and Tony Vinson (1995) were each chosen in the fifth round and kicker Randy Bielski was chosen in the 12th round in 1980.

ESPN.com wrote that Smith "is a tall and rangy press corner with a lot raw athleticism to work with. He has quick feet, fluid hips and flashes an above-average closing burst. With proper development, Smith has the skill set to develop into a quality starter and could end up being one of the bigger steals in this year's cornerback class."

Smith, a 2014 first team All-CAA selection, routinely shut down one side of the field as one of the best cover corners in the nation. As the final cornerback standing on the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List earlier this season, Smith led the Tigers with eight pass break-ups. He started all 12 games during his senior season, and his 85 tackles ranked second on the team. Smith ended his career with 312 tackles, the fifth most in Tiger football history.


-TowsonTigers.com-