Three UC players may be picked in NFL draft

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Monday, April 13, 1998

BY TOM GROESCHEN
The Cincinnati Enquirer

UC cornerback Artrell Hawkins is considered a "definite" draft prospect. (Saed Hindash photo) | ZOOM |

The University of Cincinnati has not had three players taken in one NFL draft since 1978. That could change next weekend.

Cornerback Artrell Hawkins, offensive tackle Jason Fabini, and outside linebacker Brad Jackson all could be taken in the draft on Saturday and Sunday, analysts say.

Jerry Jones, the former Mariemont pharmacist, took the latest projections of prominent draft analysts and plugged them into his computer Sunday. Using evaluations from his own Drugstore List, ESPN's Mel Kiper, Joel Buchsbaum of Pro Football Weekly, Ourlad's Guide, and The Sporting News, Jones said the consensus ratings for local players are:

• Hawkins, from Johnstown, Pa., is projected as a fourth-round pick. He is rated as high as the second round, by Buchsbaum.

• Fabini, from Fort Wayne, Ind., is also projected as a fourth-rounder. Kiper thinks he may go higher.

• Jackson, from Akron, could be a sixth- or seventh-rounder. He boosted his stock with a big senior year, with 168 tackles.

"Hawkins and Fabini are definites," Jones said. "Jackson may lack some size (6-1, 220) but I think he's too productive and athletic to let go by."

Several other local players could hook on as free agents, experts say. They are:

• From UC, defensive tackle Derrick Ransom, linebacker Phil Curry, tight end Rodrick Monroe, tackle Pierre Brilliant, and running backs Daryl Royal and Landon Smith.

• From Miami University, tight end Damian Vaughn and cornerback Jamie Taylor (Western Hills High School).

UC had two players drafted last year. Defensive back Sam Garnes went to the New York Giants in the fifth round and became an immediate starter. Wide receiver Robert Tate made the Minnesota Vikings as a sixth-round pick.

The last time UC had three players drafted was 1978, when linebacker Mike Woods, punter Mike Connell and tight end Charles Price were selected.

Last year, the rising UC program sent seven players, including free agents, to NFL camps. Garnes, Tate, receiver Anthony Ladd, and defensive back Chris Hewitt all made NFL rosters.

"The draft looms well for several of our guys," UC coach Rick Minter said.

UC has not had a player picked above the fourth round since 1987, when linebacker Alex Gordon went to the New York Jets as a second-round pick.

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