RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University's defensive back Mike Smith Jr., has been named to the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl Watchlist, as announced by the Senior Bowl on Wednesday morning in a release.
 
The Reese's Senior Bowl is the nation's most prestigious college all-star game, as it annually serves as the first step of the NFL Draft process.
 
Smith's selection marks the third straight season with a Colonel being named to the watchlist, joining former Colonels, Josiah Ezirim, Parker McKinney, and Dakota Allen.
 
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Smith adds the preseason honor to a growing list of accolades including being named to the United Athletic Conference's preseason all-conference team.
 
He enters the 2024 season after a stellar junior year that saw him tied for the most passes defended in the UAC with 13, including two interceptions and 11 breakups. He also added 56 tackles across all 11 games last season.
 
EKU will kick the 2024 season off on the road at Mississippi State on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. ET.
 
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