With the impressive season the University of Cincinnati football team had in 2008, the impact is not only being felt in the college football world, but also in the NFL.
With the 206th pick in the NFL Draft the Baltimore Ravens selected UC safety Haruki Nakamura, and with the 244th pick, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Angelo Craig.
Several players including offensive line Digger Bujnoch, defensive end Anthony Hoke, tight end Doug Jones, running back Bradley Glatthaar signed free agent deals with NFL teams, and wide receiver Ernest Jackson and Greg Moore received invitations to workout at the Bengals' mini-camp.
The six Bearcats who signed free agent deals with NFL teams is the most since a record 10 players signed in 2005.
NFL teams are now taking a harder look at UC players.
"Over the last few years, [UC] have won more football games obviously," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "[Kelly] continues to recruit better and you see the guys maturing into football players that have the ability to have an opportunity to compete for jobs at this level."
Bearcats are already making an impact in the NFL including Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Coles of the Philadelphia Eagles and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, who won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts.
But the number of UC players given the opportunity to play in the NFL is increasing dramatically.
"I'd say in the past, I wouldn't say [UC players] didn't get the opportunity, but now since we went 10-3 and a national ranking, we do have opportunities," Glatthaar told WCPO sports anchor Dennis Jansen.
Glatthaar is one of five players participating in the Bengals' minicamp, joining Hoke, Moore, Craig and safety Anthony Williams.
UC is becoming a breeding ground for Bengals, as they already have UC products Blue Adams and Antonio Chatman on their roster.
With the talent at UC starting to get better, the Bengals should take a look at more UC players.
"[UC] keeps continuing to get better each and every year," Lewis said. "I'm sure this class that they recruited this last season will be better than the class the year before and hopefully they grow that talent that way. The coaches there have done an outstanding job."
While 2008 brought many UC players with a chance of making the NFL, the Bearcats have players who can make a huge impact in the league next season.
According to Pete Fiutak of collegefootballnews.com, cornerback Mike Mickens is projected to be a first-round pick, and the second cornerback selected in the 2009 NFL Draft.
"The raw speed makes him an intriguing prospect, but size might be a problem at 6-0 and around 165 pounds," Fiutak said. "Even with his slight frame, he's a tough tackler who's not afraid to throw his body around."
Defensive lineman Terrill Byrd is projected to be drafted in the fifth or sixth round, according to Consensus Draft Services.
Also, Kelly has publicly stated that defensive end Connor Barwin, cornerback DeAngelo Smith and cornerback Brandon Underwood could potentially make it to the NFL.
As the Bearcats continue to improve their football program, their impact is not only being felt in the Big East Conference, but also in the NFL for years to come.
How do you think the Bearcats will fare in their tryouts? E-mail David at hardindd@email.uc.edu.
Be the first to comment on this article!
Log in Log in to be able to post comments.