BY The Cincinnati Enquirer
When UC won the Humanitarian Bowl last December, it sent a signal to the nation that it was an up-and-coming football program. It sent another signal -- much louder -- this weekend.
Five Bearcats were picked in the NFL draft -- only three schools had more -- and two more Bearcats signed free-agent deals.
"This says the program's definitely turned around," said offensive tackle Jason Fabini, taken in the fourth round Sunday by the New York Jets. "We're headed in the right direction. This is just the tip of the iceberg."
"The school has made a name for itself," said defensive lineman Derrick Ransom, taken by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round. "We play a tough schedule and defensively we've been tough for three to four years. It says a lot about the program, and it's great for the program."
Only Washington (10), Florida State (9) and Colorado (6) had more players drafted. UC won intrastate bragging rights over Ohio State, which was shut out in the draft for the first time.
The other three Bearcats drafted were cornerback Artrell Hawkins (Bengals, second round), linebacker Brad Jackson (Miami Dolphins, third round) and tight end Derrick Monroe (Dallas Cowboys, seventh round). Fullback Landon Smith (Dolphins) and tackle Pierre Brilliant (Jacksonville Jaguars) signed as free agents.
Not since 1960 has the NFL drafted five UC players.
Hawkins, the 43rd overall pick, was the highest-drafted Bearcat since the New York Jets took linebacker Alex Gordon with the 42nd overall pick in 1987.
UC had two players drafted last year. Defensive back Sam Garnes went to the New York Giants in the fifth round and became an immediate starter. Wide receiver Robert Tate made the Minnesota Vikings as a sixth-round pick. Receiver Anthony Ladd and defensive back Chris Hewitt made NFL rosters as free agents.
The last time UC had three players drafted was 1978, when linebacker Mike Woods, punter Mike Connell and tight end Charles Price were selected.
UC was 8-4 last season and made its first bowl appearance in 47 years, beating Utah State 35-19.
Fabini, Ransom, Monroe picked on second day
Hawkins drafted by Bengals
Jackson taken by Dolphins
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