TicketsMay 14, 2008
CINCINNATI - Senior all-BIG EAST cornerback Mike Mickens (Huber Heights, OH/Wayne) was selected as a member of the prestigious 52nd Annual Playboy Magazine All-America preseason team this past weekend at its All-American Weekend at the Hilton Pointe Resort at Tapatio Cliffs in Phoenix, Ariz.
"Being selected as an all-American means a great deal to me," said Mickens. "It shows that all of the hard work and dedication me and my teammates have put in the last three years has paid off. Without the other guys around me I could not had achieved this honor."
Mickens, a 2007 Football Writers Association All-American, helped the Bearcats to a school-record 10-wins and a victory in the Papajohns.com Bowl. Mickens finished 2007 tied for third in the BIG EAST and 18th in the country with 12 passes defended (6 interceptions, 6 pass breakups) and is currently fourth in Cincinnati history with 10 career interceptions. The three-year starter returned two pickoffs for touchdowns last year, including a 79-yard dash at USF. Mickens captured first-team all-BIG EAST honors for his efforts in 2007 after two years as a second-team all-league member.
"Mike is a player that we look to as a leader on our football team," said head coach Brian Kelly. "When the players look around the field, Mike sets an example of what it takes to be a champion. That was something that was contagious around our locker room last year and helped us realize our full potential and a No. 17 national ranking."
Mickens is the third UC football player to earn Playboy Preseason accolades. Linebacker Clarence Sanders was selected in 1975 and kicker Jonathan Ruffin earned the honor in 2001.
Season tickets for the 2008 Cincinnati football season are available by logging on to www.CATSTIX.com or by contacting the UC Athletics Ticket Office toll-free at 1-877-CATS-TIX.