By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Antwan Peek. (Enquirer file photo) | ZOOM |

During his college career, defensive end Antwan Peek compensated for a lack of size with quickness, athleticism and intensity, a combination that made him one of the most feared pass rushers in Conference USA.

He'll find out this weekend whether that combination will be enough to make him an early selection in the NFL draft.

The Woodward High School product, who completed his University of Cincinnati career last fall as the school's career sacks leader, could be the first draft selection among the local hopefuls. But there are enough questions about him that he also might have to sweat out the last few rounds.

"Peek is really an interesting puzzle," said draft analyst Jerry Jones, who publishes The Drugstore List of NFL draft ratings. "I've seen people list him in the second round. But you don't spend that kind of money on a designated pass rusher. I still think he's going to be very fortunate if he's drafted on the first day."

B.J. Askew, a fullback from Michigan and Colerain High, and Dan Stricker, a wide receiver from Vanderbilt and Elder High, also are expected to be drafted this weekend, both probably on the second day, according to Jones.

The first three rounds of the draft will be conducted today, the remaining four Sunday.

Jones lists Peek - 6 feet 2, 246 pounds - as a fifth-round selection.

"He's not super strong," Jones said. "He is incredibly fast and quick. But it doesn't look like he can put on a lot of weight. The question is, 'Can he play linebacker?'

"That's a completely different situation, because what he was essentially called on to do (at UC) was get the quarterback. It's completely different when your responsibilities change. Currently he's not great at containing the outside run.

"As an outside linebacker, you've got to contain the outside run and pass defend."

Peek says he can play either position, depending on the needs of the team that selects him.

"I don't have a preference," he said. "I see myself playing both. They did drills (at the NFL scouting combine) with me at linebacker. I showed them I was capable of playing the linebacker position."

Peek actually played linebacker at UC his freshman year but didn't blossom until he was moved to the line.

"I'm strong enough to play the run," Peek said. "But I am going to another level of competition. I'll have to wait and see what it's like playing at the next level."

Jones lists the 6-2, 241-pound Askew as a fifth-round selection. Askew rushed for 576 yards last season on 110 carries for a 5.2-yard average and six touchdowns.

"He's not fast enough to be a halfback and not big enough to be a fullback," Jones said. "He could fit someplace where they have a one-back situation. He's been productive and he's a willing kid. He'll be drafted, no question about that."

Stricker, who caught 44 passes last season for 620 yards and six touchdowns, is listed as a seventh-round selection.

"He's very draftable," Jones said, "probably from five down. He's definitely a sure-handed guy."

Stricker said he began to pattern himself after former Bengals wide receiver Cris Collinsworth from the time he began playing football in third grade.

"When you watched Cris play, he was fearless across the middle," Stricker said. "He was a hard worker, a great route runner and had great hands. That's the label that I've got."

UC's other standout seniors from last year - kicker Jonathan Ruffin, cornerback Blue Adams, safety Ivan Fields, running back DeMarco McCleskey, guard Kirt Doolin, and wide receivers LaDaris Vann and Jon Olinger are considered free agent possibilities.

The same goes for Miami linebacker Matt Robillard and safety Milt Bowen, along with offensive lineman Reese Hicks from Lebanon High and Georgetown (Ky.) College.

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E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com