TicketsApril 25, 2009
CINCINNATI - Former University of Cincinnati football player Connor Barwin was selected by the Houston Texans with the 46th pick (second round) in the NFL Draft Saturday.
Barwin is the seventh UC player all-time to be drafted in the first two rounds and the highest UC pick since Artrell Hawkins was selected 43rd by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998.
"I had a great day with my family watching the Draft," Barwin said. "I'm totally pumped to be a Texan and can't wait to rush the passer at the next level."
Barwin, a converted tight end playing his first season on defense, averaged almost a sack per game (0.9), leading UC and the BIG EAST, while ranking 16th nationally. His 11 sacks were two off the school record of 13, set in 2007.
He finished with 53 tackles, 16 which went for a loss. He blocked three punts, broke up eight passes, and had seven quarterback hurries. He also had a 1-yard touchdown reception in UC's win over USF on Oct. 30.
The UC defense paced the BIG EAST in both sacks and tackles for a loss. Barwin was a First-Team all-BIG EAST selection and an honorable mention all-America honoree by Sports Illustrated.