You may not have heard much about Derrick Ransom yet, but you will.
Ransom, a senior defensive end at the University of Cincinnati, is regarded as a probable high-round NFL draftee. Lindy's preseason magazine ranks him the 37th choice (second round) in the 1998 draft. Mel Kiper of ESPN has rated him the fourth-best defensive lineman available.
Ransom would rather talk about the season opener vs. Tulsa at Nippert Stadium on Thursday (7 p.m.), and how he just wants UC to reach that elusive bowl game. He is switching from defensive tackle to defensive end this year, thanks partially to his pass-rush ability. His six sacks were second on the team in 1996.
"I was never a big star, not in high school or anywhere," Ransom said. "If I've played well here, it's just because I've had good teammates around me."
Ransom (6-foot-4, 288 pounds) is a thoughtful sort, not given to boasting. The Indianapolis native said he is "blessed" that NFL teams think highly of him, but is just as proud of having made the Conference USA academic honor roll. A finance major, Ransom already has a job offer from a major brokerage upon graduation next spring.
"We call him the Big Cat," said Rex Ryan, UC's defensive coordinator. "He's just a great athlete. He can rush the passer, but the thing we like about him most is his ability to get off blocks, and make plays in the running game."
Ryan, who was a defensive assistant coach under his father, Buddy Ryan, with the Arizona Cardinals in 1994 and '95, said Ransom has NFL potential beyond his physical gifts.
"He's got a motor that just doesn't stop," Ryan said. "He's got a hell of a future."
The immediate future will see Ransom get plenty of attention from Tulsa offensive linemen Thursday. Tulsa likes to throw, so Ransom and UC's veteran defensive front will be on the spot. All seven of UC's defensive front seven return from 1996.
"I'm not used to this spectacle, this spotlight," Ransom said. "My goal is just to be the best I can."
