SEARCY – Ty Powell became the first Harding football player selected in the National Football League Draft in 30 years on Saturday when he was taken by the Seattle Seahawks in the 7th Round.

As a senior defensive end, Powell recorded 40 tackles (15 for losses) and 8.5 sacks. He also set a school record with four blocked kicks. Powell was named to the D2football.com All-America Team and became the first Harding player ever to play in the prestigious Senior Bowl.

Powell, on his 25th birthday, was the 25th selection in the 7th Round and the 231st overall pick. He is the fifth Harding player drafted and the first since Bruce Baldwin was a 5th Round selection by the Denver Broncos in 1983.

Powell could become only the second Bison to play in an NFL regular season game, joining Torrance “Tank” Daniels, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars during his career that spanned from 2006-09.

Harding head coach Ronnie Huckeba is familiar with the Seahawks. His son, Jeb, was a 5th Round selection by Seattle in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Earlier in the week, draft expert Mel Kiper said in an interview on ESPN's SportsCenter that Powell could be a late-round selection that makes an immediate impact for the team that selects him.

After the Seahawks drafted Powell, Kiper said, “(Powell) comes from Harding … and off the edge this past year, he was making plays. He is exactly what the Seahawks like. He has showed pass-rush ability and showed versatility.”

 “I'm speechless,” Powell told Seattle media after being drafted. “It's kind of the best (birthday) so far.”

Seattle's first preseason game is Aug. 8 at San Diego. The Seahawks open the regular season Sept. 8 at Carolina.