This TCU defender will have a chance to boost NFL stock at Senior Bowl

TCU defender Ben Banogu is going to the Senior Bowl.

Banogu has accepted his invite to the all-star event next January in Mobile, Alabama. A good showing will go a long ways in boosting Banogu’s NFL draft stock.

Banogu is listed as a linebacker, not a defensive end, for the game.

Banogu projects best as a 3-4 linebacker in the NFL, but the Senior Bowl usually plays a traditional 4-3 defense. That means Banogu will get reps in that setting.

Regardless, TCU has been a staple at the game in recent years.

The Frogs have had players attend for five consecutive seasons now with Banogu (2019), offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom (2018), linebacker Josh Carraway (2017), running back Aaron Green (2016) and cornerback Kevin White and offensive lineman Tayo Fabuluje (2015).

In all, Banogu will be the 32nd player in TCU history to play in the game. Other notable participants from the school include Mike Renfro (1977), LaDainian Tomlinson (2000, named the game’s MVP), Jerry Hughes (2010) and Andy Dalton and Jeremy Kerley (2011).

Banogu had a solid senior season, being named the Big 12’s preseason defensive player of the year and then earning first-team All-Big 12 honors on Wednesday.

Banogu led the Frogs with 17 tackles for loss, including 7.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. He finished with 52 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a TD.

Banogu, who transferred from Louisiana-Monroe following the 2015 season and sat out the 2016 season, earned the Big 12’s defensive newcomer of the year honors in 2017.

Other Big 12 players who have accepted invites to the Senior Bowl include Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, who was named the Big 12’s defensive lineman of the year; Oklahoma offensive linemen Ben Powers and Dru Samia; and K-State offensive lineman Dalton Risner.

This story was originally published November 29, 2018 at 5:46 PM.