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.

A Proud Father

Pro day on campus Thursday was looked at by a few of the seniors as the last time they would be on the turf at Nippert with something on the line.  With that being the case, Tom Barwin was not about to miss his last opportunity to see his son compete one last time at his favorite stadium.  Connors family has criss crossed the country watching his son play football and basketball for UC so it was no surprise Dad was there Thursday.   We caught up with Mr. Barwin and got his thoughts on his sons future past, present, and future.

Connor has been a favorite of ours as an interview subject as well as the rest of the local media during his career in Clifton,  and after spending some time with his father is easy to see why.  This apple didn't fall far from the tree at all.  

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.

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.