TicketsApril 24, 2010
CINCINNATI - Former University of Cincinnati student-athletes Ricardo Mathews and Tony Pike were selected in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers, respectively.
Pike was chosen with the 35th pick in the sixth round (No. 204 overall) by the Panthers while Mathews went to Indianapolis with the 31st selection of the seventh round (No. 238 overall).
Three former UC student-athletes were selected over the three-day draft as 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.
Pike was a first team All-Big EAST selection in 2009 after leading the conference with 2,520 passing yards. Despite missing three games due to injury, Pike also led the BIG EAST in total offense--averaging 252.6 yards per game. The 6-6, 225 pound quarterback threw 29 touchdowns this season and helped the Bearcats to a Big EAST conference title.
For his career, Pike threw for 5,018 yards and 49 touchdowns, finishing fourth and second respectively on Cincinnati's all-time list. He finished his career by throwing a touchdown in 17-straight starts and holds a school record for completion percentage (61.7).
Mathews made 13 starts in 2009, helping to anchor the defensive line. He ranked 10th on the team with 44 tackles, and led the Bearcats with 12.5 tackles for a loss. He also recorded 3.5 sacks, and a pair of quarterback hurries.