Charles Cross was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 9 pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night, as he became the first Bulldogs player selected in the top 10 since 1983.

After the draft, Cross, who was a first-team All-SEC selection last season after starting 12 games for the Bulldogs. recalled what it felt like, and what he expects with his new job in Seattle.

After he saw fellow left tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal selected earlier in the draft, Cross had a feeling he could be headed to Seattle.

“I kind of expected it to be honest,” Cross said. “They’re a physical organization. They preach physicality, toughness, nastiness. Really everything you need to do to be successful. I’m just excited for the opportunity (and) ready to get to work.”

Cross said it was a thrill to receive the call from coach Pete Carroll, and his mother was emotional as Cross made his way to the stage with MSU coach Mike Leach and offensive line coach Mason Miller looking on.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Cross said, per the Clarion-Ledger.

While he’s never been to Seattle but is looking forward to living in a new city. His hometown of Laurel, Mississippi is very proud him, he said.

“I know they’re probably going crazy right now,” Cross said. “They’re all excited that I got drafted.”