TicketsDec. 6, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio--Six members of the University of Cincinnati football team, including four members of the defense, have been named to the 2006 All-BIG EAST team, selected by the league's coaches.
Terrill Byrd, Kevin McCullough and Dominic Ross were all named to the first team defense, while Trevor Canfield, Brent Celek and Mike Mickens received second-team mention.
Byrd was third on the Bearcats in tackles for loss (8.5) and fifth in sacks (3). A starter in all 12 games this season, the sophomore defensive tackle has started 23 straight games since joining the program.
A starter in all 12 games, McCullough picked up a first-team nod after leading the team with 68 stops and 13.5 tackles for loss. The senior middle linebacker earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week award after the win over USF in which he returned a fumble 39 yards for a touchdown and totaled 4.5 tackles.
The defensive team captain, Ross earned first-team accolades after leading the Bearcats with four interceptions. A three-year starter in the defensive secondary, the Marion, Ohio product is second on the squad with 57 tackles.
Canfield was the lone Bearcat offensive lineman to receive all-league mention. A mainstay on the offensive front, the sophomore right guard helped key a UC rushing attack that averaged 166.2 yards per game over its final eight games.
A three-year starter, Celek was tops among BIG EAST tight ends with 31 receptions. The offensive captain owns a streak of 24 straight games with a catch. A second-team All-C-USA choice in 2004, Celek owns every UC career receiving mark for tight ends: receptions (86), yards (1,086) and touchdown receptions (14).
A two-year starter at cornerback, Mickens earned second-team All-BIG EAST recognition after leading the league and ranking ninth nationally in passes defended (15 break ups, 2 interceptions). The Huber Heights, Ohio native recorded a pair of interceptions in the 30-11 victory over then-No. 7 Rutgers. It marked the second consecutive season for Mickens on the All-BIG EAST second team.
Cincinnati concluded the regular season with a record of 7-5 and is headed to the International Bowl on Jan. 6, 2007 in Toronto, Ont., its fifth bowl game in seven years.