ATLANTA -- Georgia State defensive lineman Julien Laurent was selected by the British Columbia Lions with the seventh pick of the first round of the 2018 Canadian Football League Draft, held Thursday evening.

A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Laurent is the second Panther to be drafted by the CFL. In 2012, inaugural team defensive end Christo Bilukidi was chosen in the third round by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But Bilukidi was also drafted by the NFL's Oakland Raiders, for whom he went on to play.

Laurent was a two-year starter at noseguard who earned honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference honors as well as CoSIDA Academic All-District accolades in 2017.  He tied for the team lead with 6.5 tackles for loss, along with 24 tackles and a pass breakup while helping GSU set season records for fewest points per game allowed (24.75), fewest rushing yards per game (136.4), fewest yards per rushing attempt (4.13) and most sacks (24).

Laurent is the fourth member of Georgia State's 2017 senior class to earn a professional football opportunity. Cornerbacks Chandon Sullivan (Philadelphia Eagles) and B.J. Clay (Los Angeles Chargers) and defensive end Mackendy Cheridor (Atlanta Falcons) signed free agent contracts.