TicketsApril 29, 2007
CINCINNATI, Ohio - University of Cincinnati cornerback John Bowie (Columbus, Ohio/Northland) and tight end Brent Celek (Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle) were both selected early on Day Two of the 2007 National Football League Draft. Bowie was taken with the 11th pick of the fourth round by the Oakland Raiders while Celek was the 25th name called in the fifth round on Sunday.
"We had a very short period of time to work with John Bowie," stated UC Head Coach Brian Kelly. "I knew John was the BIG EAST Conference 100-meter champion, but he translated that on the field and played fast as well. I have seen a lot of track athletes not translate it. John took that speed he has and had an interception for touchdown in the International Bowl. He is a young man who flew under the radar and developed late. "
The 110th overall pick, Bowie is touted as the fastest man in the BIG EAST Conference. He scored the first points in UC's 27-24 victory over Western Michigan in the 2007 International Bowl when he returned a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown less than four minutes into the game. A three-year letterwinner for the Red and Black, he finished the season with two interceptions, 10 pass breakups and one fumble recovery to go with 38 tackles.
Bowie is perhaps best known for his feats on the track, where he is the reigning BIG EAST Conference 100-meter dash champion. He won the 2006 BIG EAST crown with a time of 10.72 seconds in the 100m and ran the anchor leg of Cincinnati's champion 4x100-meter relay. On April 21, he won the 100m crown and overcame a margin to bring home the 4x100 relay at the 2007 All-Ohio Championships held at Gettler Stadium in Cincinnati.
The 162nd player taken, Celek received the Claude Rost Award as the Bearcats' most outstanding player during the 2006 campaign. A three-year starter at tight end for the Bearcats, Celek was a second-team All-BIG EAST Conference selection as a senior.
"Brent showed his ability not only in our short period of time, but also in the East-West Shrine Game," said UC head coach Brian Kelly. "If he had the opportunity, he would have showed himself well in the NFL Combine and projected himself a little bit higher. There is no question that Brent will find himself on an NFL roster."
The Cincinnati prep product finished the year tops among the tight ends in the BIG EAST Conference with 35 receptions for 481 yards. Celek set new UC career tight end career receiving records for catches (91), receiving yards (1,135) and TDs (14). He concluded his collegiate career with a streak of 25 straight games with a reception, including an 83-yard TD pass play vs. Rutgers.