Pitt Football: Compass Bowl Not Last Game for All Pitt Seniors

Today's BBVA Compass Bowl against SMU will mark the final time the Panthers seniors will put on a Pitt uniform.

That alone is always an emotional time for a guy preparing to play his final career football game.

But for four Pitt seniors, this won't be the last time they play a collegiate football game, as these select four have been invited to compete in postseason All-Star games.

Offensive lineman Lucas Nix is headed to the Senior Bowl which is to be held January 28th in Mobile, Alabama.

This could be a big game for Nix who was injured during the season and can make one last good impression for NFL scouts. CBSsports.com has him currently ranked as the eighth best guard in the draft.

For defensive tackle Chas Alecxih, it's a trip to the Players All-Star Classic in Arkansas which pits players from Texas against players from the rest of the nation. 

He has some work to do in this game and the ensuing individual workouts as he is ranked as the 33rd defensive linemen according to nfldraftscout.com.

For linebackers Max Gruder and Brandon Lindsey, it's an invite to the East-West Shrine Game, which should help both of their draft stocks.

Gruder was a second-team All-Big East member in 2011 and is ranked among the top 10 linebackers in the nation according to cbssports.com. Gruder can improve his stock and likely become a second day pick with a good showing and a good combine.

Lindsey is the most interesting prospect of the four. He came into the season highly ranked but saw his growth stunted somewhat by former head coach Todd Graham.

He also was a second-team All-Big East member and is currently ranked 10th out of 220 linebackers by nfldraftscout.com. If he impresses enough, he could force his way into the second round.

So while the Compass Bowl marks the end of a journey for some, it's truly just the beginning for other Pitt seniors.