Catching up with the NFL Bearcats

The 2009 NFL Draft class included 6 Cincinnati Bearcats that were drafted, a school record. With the Bengals slated to play the Houston Texans this week two of those Bearcats will be on the field. I wanted to catch up with the 6 players to give you an update on their progress.

Connor Barwin- Drafted 2nd round to the Texans

Barwin came to Houston with high praise. After having a strong training camp Barwin found himself backing up former #1 pick Mario Williams at Defensive End. Barwin, who only played defense for one season for the Bearcats, said that he learns from how Williams prepares and approaches the game. Barwin has seen action in 4 out of the 5 games so far and has logged 4 total tackles.

Kevin Huber- Drafted 5th round to the Bengals

Huber was brought into Cincinnati and immediately got the vote of confidence from the coaching staff when they released Kyle Larson early in camp which gave the job outright to Huber. The Cincinnati native has been very solid thus far of his 29 punts he has pinned 11 of them inside the 20, 2 inside the 10. He is averaging 42.5 yards per punt.

DeAngelo Smith- Drafted 5th round to the Cowboys

DeAngelo Smith has had a tumultuous start to his career thus far. After being drafted in the 5th round by the Cowboys. Dallas had tried to teach Smith both CB and Safety but he was not progressing to their level. Smith was placed on waivers by the Cowboys and picked up by the Browns. Smith however would only spend about two weeks with Cleveland before he was released. After having problems in their secondary he was picked up by Chicago. Unfortunately Smith only lasted two weeks with Chicago as well as was placed on waivers September 29th. Smith however cleared waivers for Chicago and is now on their practice squad.

Brandon Underwood- Drafted 6th round to the Packers

Underwood, who was a sixth round pick, was a longshot entering training camp to make the team at DB. Underwood had a good camp in Green Bay and did make the team at Defensive Back. Brandon led the Green Bay secondary in the preseason in tackles with 17. He is on the 52 man roster but has been not been active for any regular season games yet this season.

Mike Mickens- Drafted 7th round to the Cowboys

Entering his senior season many felt that Mike Mickens would be a first day draft pick. However, Mickens battled with a reoccurring knee injury during his senior season. Mickens battled in preseason with a number of players including former teammate DeAngelo Smith who as also drafted by the Cowboys. Mickens did not make the 53 man roster but was signed to the Dallas practice squad.

Trevor Canfield- Drafted 7th round to the Cardinals

Canfield came into Arizona camp as a late round offensive lineman drafted fighting for a spot on the team. Trevor battled through training camp but was cut on the final cut day from the Cardinals. He did however, clear waivers and is currently working on their practice squad.