Numerous future impact players were among those at the Senior Bowl last year, from Najee Harris and Mac Jones to DeVonta Smith and Elijah Mitchell, but when looking at the 2021 campaign as a whole, one participant went on to stand out amongst the rest.

The Senior Bowl named Kansas City Chiefs' center Creed Humphrey as its 2021 Rookie of the Year on Thursday, announcing that Humphrey will be recognized alongside the Senior Bowl’s latest Hall of Fame class on June 26.

"The Senior Bowl was a massive opportunity for me to showcase my skills against the best competition in college football. In one week in Mobile, I was able to learn so much that helped my transition from college to the NFL," Humphrey said in a statement. "I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to have competed at the Senior Bowl. I am extremely honored to be the Senior Bowl Rookie of the Year."

Viewed as the preeminent college football all-star game, the Senior Bowl plays a crucial role in the pre-draft process. The week-long event – which includes numerous practices meant to demonstrate each prospect's abilities – is a launching pad for talent that often translates to the next level, and Humphrey is the latest example.

Humphrey – the No. 63 overall selection last year – earned not only the top Pro Football Focus grade of any center in the NFL last season, but of any center since 2017. Additionally, regardless of position, PFF graded Humphrey as the fourth-best offensive lineman in the league last year. PFF's metrics also ranked Humphrey as the top rookie in the NFL in 2021, and remarkably, the Chiefs grabbed him in the second round.

It was nothing short of an incredible season for Humphrey, and now with another accolade in the books, he'll look to follow up his rookie campaign with another stellar season in 2022.