UPDATE: Tide's Gilberry selected for Senior Bowl

MOBILE | University of Alabama defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry, the SEC leader in tackles for loss in 2007 and a native of Bay Minette, will return home to play in the 2008 Under Armour Senior Bowl, bowl officials announced Monday.

Gilberry has enjoyed a spectacular 2007 season, as he earned first-team All-SEC honors by both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches.

His 22 tackles for loss is tops in the SEC and ranks fourth nationally, while his nine quarterback sacks leads the Crimson Tide and ranks second among all SEC defenders.

“We’re very pleased that Wallace will have the opportunity to come back home and play another game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium,” said Senior Bowl President Steve Hale. “He emerged this season as a true leader for the Crimson Tide and a bona fide NFL prospect.”

The 6-foot-3, 267-pounder has also recorded 72 total tackles, 43 unassisted, two pass breakups, 15 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles during his stellar senior campaign.

He has recorded 55.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks and 180 total tackles during his four-year Alabama career.

Gilberry prepped at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette and played several games at Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium, home of the Senior Bowl, during his high school career.

Senior Bowl practices will also be held at Ladd-Peebles Stadium throughout Senior Bowl Week. Both the practices and the game will be televised live by the NFL Network.

The 59th annual Under Armour Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2008. Tickets sell for $24, $18 and $12 each and can be purchased at all area Food World stores, selected Regions Bank branches, by calling 251-432-4109 or ordered through the bowl’s website at www.seniorbowl.com