USF Bulls defensive tackle Cory Grissom will represent the Big East in the 2013 Senior Bowl. He's first Bulls player to be invited since defensive tackle Terrell McClain received a last-minute invite to the 2011 Senior Bowl.

Grissom's first reaction was expected given the magnitude of the opportunity.

"When I first found out, I didn't know whether to jump up and down, just laugh out loud or cry — I did all three actually," he said, according to Michael Manganello of TBO.com.

His initial emotional response was followed by some more emotion but also a view of the bigger picture. The red-shirt senior has come a long way since arriving at USF five years ago.

"It’s very emotional for me right now," Grissom said, according to Rames Ali of USFOracle.com. "It just means that I’ve accomplished something big for my family, graduating from college and hopefully taking the next step in football."

Chances of taking that next step are good for the 6'2" defensive tackle. Last year UConn's Kendall Reyes and the Cincinnati pair of Isiah Pead and Derek Wolfe all appeared at the Senior Bowl. All three were drafted in the ensuing NFL draft and are currently on professional rosters.

NFLDraftScout.com, a reputable NFL draft resource, has Grissom ranked as the 12th-best defensive tackle available in the 2013 NFL Draft. Here's an excerpt from their scouting report of the third-year starter:

...his impact on the field isn't always felt by production, but ask opposing interior offensive linemen and they'll tell you how much of a handful he is to block on the field. Listed at 6-2 and 316 pounds, Grissom doesn't have great length, but plays with a large lower body and a quick first step to gain leverage on blockers, using clean lateral footwork and active hands.

If all goes right at the Senior Bowl and Grissom meets the heavy demands of the NFL's Scouting Combine, he could be a mid-round selection in next April's draft.