NFL Combine: Brandon Underwood

At the beginning of the 2008 season Brian Kelly had a great problem, he had too many talented

defensive backs.  Along with Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith a transfer from Ohio State was in the mix.  Now six months and an Orange Bowl appearance later Brandon Underwood is joining Mickens and Smith at the NFL Scouting Combine.  Here is a sample of the questions Brandon fielded on his media day.  The topics he hits are, his dislocated shoulder in high school and at Ohio State, how Haruki Nakamura got him to UC, how other Bearcats are worthy of being in Indy, and how team mate Mke Mickens is doing.  Notice the polite answers he gives.

After he was done at the press table we grabbed him for a quick word before being whisked off by NFL personnel for interviews.

Like all Bearcats so far Brandon was very impressive with the media.  His "yes sir" answers were noticed as one member of the press left the table saying "you don't hear many 'yes sirs' these days".    Brandon is working out in Nashville as he gets ready for Pro Day March 19.

NFL Combine: Mickens Will Not Work Out

All three UC players have made their trip through the media room.  Brandon Underwood was first, followed closely by DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens.   The big story out of the three is that Mickens will not workout for the scouts on the turf at Lucas Oil Field.   The plan is to set his sties on pro day at UC in the middle of March.  We talked with him about his "stock going down" and he said he's not worried about it.  He feels that he can prove himself worthy when he works out at UC for the scouts.  

Bearcat Sports Page.com will have video interviews with all three as well as footage form their press conferences.

Underwood Done, Barwin Ready to Play

Saturday afternoon in Houston, Brandon Underwood played his final game of college football.  The senior defensive back was chosen to play in the East West Shrine Game.  Underwood finished with 4 tackles, 3 assisted and 1 solo.    The broadcast team recognized Brandon early in the first quarter as a one of their "top 5 defensive prospects" for the East squad.

Up next is the Senior Bowl where 5 more Bearcats will have the opportunity to improve their value with the NFL scouts.  Connor Barwin spoke to us before he left for Moblie Sunday morning.  He says that it's great for UC to have this many seniors in post season games.

Later this week we will have the entire interview we taped with Connor this past Friday afternoon in the UC weight room.  We talk about a number of subjects including playing for the Bengals.   Marvin Lewis and his staff  are coaching the North squad that includes the UC players.

Underwood In Shrine Bowl Saturday

Saturday afternoon on ESPN 2 Bearcat fans can see the first of 6 different UC players playing in a post season all star game.  Brandon Underwood was selected to play on the East squad in the East West Shrine Bowl.  As mentioned earlier UC has 6 "all stars".  This put them up with USC and LSU for teams that have the largest number of seniors in post season all star bowls.  Underwood can be seen Saturday afternoon when the Shrine Bowl kicks off in Houston at 3:00 on ESPN2.  The other 5 Bearcats will be in the Senior Bowl next Saturday in Mobile, Alabama.   Bearcat Sports Page.com caught up with Connor Barwin yesterday in the weight room getting ready for next weeks game, we will have that interview later next week.

Barwin, Underwood Added to East Squad

Two more Bearcats were added to the roster for the East West Shrine Bowl.  This is one of the oldest and most respected post season bowls.   The rosters are made up of outstanding senior talent from all over the country.  Trevor Canfield was named to the East roster earlier, and his team mates Connor Barwin and Brandon Underwood were added this week.   Proceeds from the game go the the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Being selected for this All Star Bowl has been an honor for many years. For other roster additions this please click here.  The game is on January 17 and will air on ESPN2 at 4:00.   

Barwin Team MVP

As national honors continue to flow in for several Bearcat football players, some of the most precious hardware was handed out Thursday night on campus.  The team held their annual awards banquet in Great Hall inside the Tangeman University Center.    Here are a few of the the winners.  Notice that on a few awards, like special teams player of the year, the guy that was recognized by the conference, didn't win win the teams award.

Newcomer:  Dominique Battle

Special Teams:  Brandon Underwood

Community Service: Mardy Gilyard

Athletic/Academic Excellence:  Ryan Manalac

Most Valuable Player:  Connor Barwin

Finish is the Word!

Saturday afternoon the Bearcats line up against a Syracuse team that stand between them and a BCS bowl game and a Big East Title. Starting Tuesday head coach Brian Kelly preached the word "finish", and that's what the players plan on doing.

Tickets still remain for the big game. Please visit www.gobearcats.com for ticket info.