PRO DAY: Hawkins Remembers His Pro Day

Along with the NFL scouts and head coaches a few other familiar faces were seen at Nippert Stadium on pro day.  One of those was former Bearcat, and 8 year NFL veteran, Artrell Hawkins.  Artrell is working with the UC defensive backs as they prepare for the next level.  The former Bearcat defensive back remembers his pro day from 1998, the last big pro day this program has seen.

We will have more from our interview with Artrell later this week.  In 1998 Artrell was taken in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals.

NFL Combine: Barwin Now a Linebacker

Saturday afternoon Connor Barwin was the only Bearcat to meet with the the media and on Sunday morning his name is still being discussed by several writers along press row.  His resume continues to grow and his stock continues to rise.  While at the podium Saturday the once tight end turned defensive end is now looking like an outside linebacker.  Bengals.com Geoff Hobson has a good article discussing Connor and his new position. Click Here.

Combine Day 3: Bearcats Are Ready

The NFL Combine entered day its third day Friday and there were no Bearcats in the group that was available for the media.  This group included the offensive skill position players, quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.  With no UC guys to talk to we settled for a Syracuse guy.  Bengals.com head writer Geoff Hobson has been around football for many years.  Before working for the Bengals he was a beat writer that covered the team for many years.  He was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl,  saw the Bearats up close and personal and expects them to hold their own again this week.

Geoff has been in the game long enough to have a feel for what the "buzz" is about Bearcats in the national media.  So far it's been a bit low key but he thinks that could change with Connor Barwin on Saturday.

Geoff remembers years ago when he was writing stories sitting on the edge of a potted plant in the RCA Dome when it was a "low key" event.  So he has seen his fair share of combines and from what he's seen the boys from UC are ready for what they are getting into. He thinks they are especially strong in the interview area when they sit down with teams.

We will continue our coverage of the combine Sunday when the three defensive backs go through the media room.    The big question then is weather or not Mike Mickens will be able to work out.  He left the Senior Bowl with a sore knee and has been working on it ever since.  

Connor Barwin will be in front of the media Saturday, check Geoff Hobsons article on Bengals.com for coverage of Connor.  Click Here.  Also check out the NFL Network on TV or the Web site.  Click here.

Workouts for the offensive linemen and kickers can be seen Saturday on the NFL Network. Watch Kevin Huber and Trevor Canfield.  Time- 11:00 , 4:00 and 8:00   Click here for a schedule.

NFL Combine: Trevor Canfield

"American Idol" NFL style kicked off this week at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. The first group of players arrived Wednesday afternoon to begin the process of being thoroughly examined by NFL teams. Six members of the UC Bearcats were invited to the scouting combine including offensive lineman Trevor Canfield, who met with the media Thursday. Here is a condensed version of what Trevor said to the media that gathered when his name was announced. Pay attention to the last answer. A fire alarm is sounded and everyone is asked to evacuate the building. Notice how Trevor keeps his composure and completes his answer. Too bad the team scouts weren't on hand for this test of "concentration".

We apologize for the length, but we feel it tells the story of what he went through as well as the questions thrown at him. We cut out several short answers. As those around us were evaluating the "fire alarm situation" we grabbed Trevor for a quick one on one interview.

You may have noticed that Trevor used the phrase "yes sir" during his press gathering at the podium. This was not an act for the NFL or the media today. In the many interviews we have done with him he is always been the ultimate gentleman, and once again today he made us proud to be wearing the "C-Paw" on our jackets. Kevin Huber is part of the same group but was unavailable to the media. No kickers, punters, or specialist were brought to the media room. Friday we will have more on our trip to the combine including an interview with NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcotts and Bengals senior web writer Geoff Hobson. For other stories from the combine check out Mr. Hobsons reports at the Bengals web site. Click here.

Bengals Best Coverage

With no local media making the trip to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl, Bengals web site writer Geoff Hobson gets our MVP award for the best coverage.  While keeping an eye on the all of the players, Hobson did an excellent job of keeping people in Cincinnati informed on what UC players were doing.  In his article Sunday morning he gives a review of how each player did on Saturday night, along with quotes after the game.  Click Here to read the article.

Geoff also worked with Cincinnati native and Louisville center Eric Wood.   A number of videos about the Senior Bowl from the NFL Network can also be seen at the Bengals web site.  www.bengals.com

Barwin Talks Senior Bowl, NFL

Last Friday Bearcat Sports Page.com caught up with Connor Barwin before his work out in the UC weight room. Here is the interview in it's entirety. We talked about the Senior Bowl and looking toward the NFL.

So far from what we have heard Connor has impressed and confused the NFL scout watching him. Why confused? Everybody wants him, they just aren't sure what side of the ball to play him on.

Like most players in this position Conner is not taking classes this quarter so he can concentrate on preparing for the NFL, We will continue to follow him on this journey. He is staying in Cincinnati to train and when we asked him if we continue to talk to him before the draft,"sure anytime, you know I'm always willing".

Senior Bowl: It's no Vacation

Day three of practice for the Senior Bowl is in the books.  This week is no vacation for the players, or coaches.  This is a football game and it's business as usual.  " We try to give them a week that is as close to a true week of preparation in the NFL, last night we had meetings until 11:00", said Bengals assistant defensive back coach Louie Cioffi in a phone interview with Bearcat Sports Page.com.  "We try to see who can pick up the most without totally bogging them down, then we hope they digest it enough to get into a comfortable position that lets their natural ability come out", he added.

Wednesday after practice Bearcat Sports Page.com caught up with Bengal's head coach Marvin Lewis and got his thought on what's going on in Clifton.

Again we want to thank WKRG Sports Director Randy Patrick fro helping us with video and interviews.  For more info on the Senior Bowl check out the Bengals website.  Geoff Hobson is in Mobile with the coaching staff.   His daily observations can be seen by CLICKING HERE.