Feb. 17, 2010

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has tabbed TCU's Marcus Cannon as the third-ranked offensive tackle for the 2011 National Football League draft.

A 6-foot-5, 350-pound rising senior, Cannon had a dominant 2009 campaign in earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. He was also named a Top 10 Workout Warrior by ESPN.com.

Cannon started all 13 games in 2009 and did not allow a sack. Among his outstanding performances was neutralizing standout Clemson defensive end Ricky Sapp in TCU's 14-10 victory in Death Valley. Playing right tackle, Cannon went against Horned Frog two-time consensus All-American Jerry Hughes in practice each day.

The only two offensive tackles rated ahead of Cannon are Anthony Castonzo of Boston College and Georgia's Clint Boling.

Cannon is also an All-Mountain West Conference performer in the shot put for the Horned Frog track and field team. His top throw of 54 feet, 10 1/4 inches ranks third all-time in TCU history.