TicketsApril 24, 2010
CINCINNATI - Former University of Cincinnati wide receiver Mardy Gilyard was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft with the first selection of the fourth round and 99th pick overall.
"It was shocking to hear my name," Gilyard said in a conference call with the St. Louis media. "They called me before 10:00 (ET) and said, `Hey we're going to take you. We're not going to fool around or beat around the bush.' I was just like, stoked, because now I can finally get ready to go to work. I've been waiting to go to work for forever it seems like."
Gilyard, a first team all-America selection by the American Football Coaches Association, was named the BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight year this season and was a first team All-BIG EAST selection at wide receiver and kick returner. He led the conference and finished second in the country with 2,690 all-purpose yards and was also tops in the BIG EAST in receiving yards (1,191), receiving yards per game (91.62), receptions per game (6.69), punt return average (12.63 ypg) and kickoff return yardage (1,281).
The Bunnell, Florida native finished his career as Cincinnati's all-time leader in receptions (204), receiving touchdowns (25), receiving yards (3,003), all-purpose yards (5,904), kickoff returns (93) and kickoff return TDs (4).
He was named the Under Armour Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Game after racking up 103 yards receiving and catching a 32-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help lead the North to a 31-13 victory over the South. He also returned two kicks for 52 yards and gained 24 on two punt returns.
Gilyard is the third UC player all-time to be drafted by a St. Louis squad. Quarterback Jack Lee was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth round of the 1960 NFL Draft and running back Reggie Harrison was taken by the Cardinals in the ninth round of the 1974 draft. Former wide receiver Don Goodman played in St. Louis from 1982-83.