NFL teams Keep Coming to Clifton

Last week, "Pro Day" brought the NFL spotlight to UC football.  Fifteen different players got the chance to showcase their talents before coaches and scouts from 28 NFL teams.    One of the four teams that didn't make was the Chicago Bears.   A week and a day later they made their way to Clifton to take a look at Corey Smith and DeAngelo Smith with individual workouts.  Here's how it looked along with some thoughts from two when they were done.

The representative from the Bears was kind enough to answer a few questions.  Nothing could be said about specific players but plenty was said about the tremendous progress UC's program has taken and how workouts like this will become a common site.

Just a reminder that spring practice kicks off Tuesday morning and Bearcat Sports Page will be there with the best coverage.

PRO DAY: Inside activities

Thursday morning at 10:00 the NFL scouts and coaches gathered in the weight room at UC to begin their day of evaluating 15 NFL prospects.  Here is a look at some of the events that took place inside before they moved outside for the speed and agility drills in Nippert Stadium.

Later today we hope to have a similar look at the outdoor activities, plus hearing more from the players.

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.

PRO DAY: Busy Day For Connor

Since the scouting combine Connor Barwins stock has been climbing.   At the combine he finished first in most of the categories the defensive linemen were tested in.  Thursday he participated in most of the drills and worked out with 4 different player groups.   Seems like a crazy day?  Connor expected it....he also expected to work out for the 4 different groups.

On the bench press he got 23 preps, and he had a 40 yard dash time of 4.66.   Several scouts were there specifically to watch Connor.  One coach that spent a tremendous amount of time with him was Giants tight end coach Mike Pope, a highly respected coach that apparently does not make many trips to see college kids work out.  

We will have more on Connors day later, including interviews with his agent and his father.

Mickens Works Out at Pro Day

Thursday was a big day for many of the senior football players.  If they plan on playing in the NFL this was the day to catch the eye of several NFL scouts.  Pro day at UC attracted over 28 different NFL teams and one of the bigger stories of the day was Mike Mickens.  A knee injury at the end of the season sent him home from the Senior Bowl early and then kept him from working out at the scouting combine.  He finally started running a few weeks ago and participated in every event Thursday afternoon.

Several scout commented that Mike looked good.

Big Day For Mickens

Pro day for at least one Bearcat will be a very important day.  Mike Mickens started his senior year with plenty of pre-season recognition, but ended it on crutches.  An knee injury at the end of the year sent him home early from the Senior Bowl and kept him for working out at the NFL combine.  Mike told us at the combine he was feeling good but was going to let the knee rest until Pro Day instead of working out at the combine.   Speculation among the media in Indianapolis was the Mickens stock was dropping because he didn't work out.  That stock could be on the rise with a good performance Thursday.

NFL Show Time: Thursday

At last count there were at least 28 different NFL teams staying at hotels in the Clifton area getting ready for Pro Day Thursday morning.  Along with the six players that were invited to the NFL combine, at least ten more players will be hoping to catch the eye of NFL scouts during hte work outs.  This event is only for UC seniors and is closed to the public.  Bearcat Sports page.com will have complete coverage of the event, including interviews and video of the tryouts.

This will be the biggest Pro Day UC has ever hosted.

NFL Combine: An Agent's View

In our many trip to Indianapolis to cover the NFL Scouting combine we talked to the UC players themselves and got a feel for how they were doing by talking to other members of the media.

This  posting gives you a completely different look at the combine, from the perspective of a sports agent.  We sat down with Connor Barwin's agent, Scott Smith, and talked to him about how his client was doing during this process.  He said that Conner was doing great, but did UC properly prepare him for this experience?

The workouts at the combine get most of the press but it's what the media doesn't see that can make or break the trip to Indy.  Workouts can happen a number of places, but the interviews at the combine are a one shot deal for both the players and the teams.  Scott knew Connor would do well with interviews, but not this good.

The combine is often call a "job interview", and that's how Connor is approaching it.  Scott and his team at XAM Sports and Entertainment put together a book that contains information on each NFL team.  Connor studies this before each interview, something that separates him form the rest of the "job candidates".

We want to thank Scott and the rest of his team from XAM Sports and Entertainment for their cooperation in Indianapolis.  For more information on the XAM group and what they offer their clients, click here.

NFL Combine: How Did They Do?

As we conclude our coverage of the NFL scouting combine this past week in Indianapolis we are going to hear from a man that heard hundreds of player interviews over the 4 day period. Joe Reedy was the writer from the Cincinnati Enquirer that covered the combine.  From where he sat, the UC players represented themselves and the University well with the press.

So did the players from UC create any kind of a "buzz" in the room among the many writers from all over the country?

 

The combine turned out to be a win/win.   After meeting with the media the players have left a favorable impression of UC with all of the writers there covering the event.  The players also stand to benefit from the way UC prepared them, both on and off of the field.

NFL Combine: Mike Mickens

Mike Mickens was at the top of every ones list back in September, including the Playboy All American team.  Following an injury at the end of the end of the season his "stock", according to some experts, is dropping.  He left the senior bowl last month because of his knee and according to Mickens he will not participate in drills at the combine this week.  At his press conference he discussed his knee, the competition with his team mates and who was on his high school team.

We talked to Mike about his decision to sit out the workouts and got his thoughts on the overwhelming concern that his stock is dropping.  He is confident he can make it rise when the time comes.

Mickens will have the benefit of meeting with NFL teams this week and plans to go through everything that he can.  His chance to reverse the tide of pessimism will take place at pro day on UC's campus March 19.

NFL Combine: DeAngelo Smith

De Angelo Smith is an interesting prospect for NFL scouts.  He can bring so much to the table.  He is being looked at as both a defensive back and a safety.  Then throw in his ability to return punts and his options grow.  At his press conference he discussed his versatility, what a team gets when they draft him and the competition he had with his team mates last year.

After DeAngelo left the podium we pulled his aside for one more round of questions.

The defensive backs will have their work out on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday.  In his press conference he attracted several members of the media including Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson and Cincinati Enquirer writer Joe Reedy.    Bengals site:  Click here.  Enquirer site: Click here

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.

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: Bearcats are Prepared

The NFL Network is covering this weeks scouting combine from start to finish. We found out that one of their analyst has been keeping an eye on Brian Kelly and the Bearcats this year, and to him it's no surprise at all that UC had 6 players invited to the combine

As an analyst with both the NFL Network and his work with CBS on Sundays Wilcots has seen plenty of football. Also, as a former NFL star he knows what it takes to make it to the next level. The scouting combine is very important, and he thinks the guys from UC will be just fine.

The road to the NFL is what every high school football player is looking for and Wilcots thinks that a program that puts kids in the combine sends the message that "this program can get you to the next level".

For complete coverage of the NFL Combine tune into the NFL Network or check them out on the internet: Click here.

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.

The Green Bay Bearcats

The NFL draft is just two months away.  Starting Wednesday, the NFL Combine kicks off in Indianapolis.  About 300 of the best college football players in the country will be on display for professional football scouts and executives.  Included in that group are 6 Bearcats, Connor Barwin, Trevor Canfield, Kevin Huber, Mike Mickens, DeAngelo Smith, and Brandon Underwood.  In the days leading up to the combine experts will be making predictions.  One such expert has 3 Bearcats being chosen by the Green Bay Packers.  Click here to see the entire 4 round mock draft.   Connor Barwin for one, does not put much weight in what the media is saying.  

Bearcat Sports Page.com will be in Indianapolis covering the combine and will bring you coverage of the six Bearcats as they compete in what some call NFL's version of "American Idol".

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".

NFL Playoff Bearcats

A number of Bearcat Alumni are still playing in the NFL Playoffs.  Here's a look at what they did this past weekend in the Wild Card Games:

Brent Celek - Eagles: 6 catches 56 Yards

Trent Cole - Eagles - 7 tackles 6 assist tackles

Haruki Nakamura - Ravens:  1/2 a sack

Tyjaun Hagler -Colts -  6 tackles 1 assist tackles

Here is a list of those Bearcats still alive and playing again this week.

Eagles: Brent Celek TE

Eagles: Trent Cole DE

Steelers: Andre Frazier LB

Steelers: Mike Tomlin Head Coach

Steelers: Amos Jones Special Teams Coach

Ravens: Haruki Nakamura  S

Ravens: John Harbaugh  Head Coach

Ravens: Rex Ryan  Defensive Coord.

With no "home town team" in the playoffs again, this gives us some rooting interest in supporting former Bearcats!