Cincinnati Football: Jason Kelce Lone Bearcat Selected in NFL Draft

Two years ago, the Cincinnati Bearcats had six players selected in the NFL draft and last year they produced three. This season was a little different however, as Jason Kelce was the lone selection. 

Kelce was taken in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles. He will join former Bearcats Trent Cole and Brent Celek in Philadelphia. 

For Kelce, being selected was the culmination of five years of hard work. 

He was not heavily recruited out of Cleveland Heights High School and after earning all-league honors two years in a row, Kelce was named league defensive MVP. He recorded 105 tackles and 33 tackles for loss as a high school senior from the linebacker position.

After walking on to the University of Cincinnati, Kelce redshirted in 2006 under former head coach Mark Dantonio. 

He was moved to the offensive side of the ball in 2007 and saw action in nine games at center and guard. 

Kelce became a starter at left guard in 2008 and helped anchor an offensive line that led the Bearcats to the Orange Bowl. In 2009, Kelce really burst onto the scene, earning second-team All Big East honors, while starting 13 games at left guard. 

The 2009 Cincinnati Bearcats set school records for points and touchdowns and earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl.

As a senior in 2010, Kelce moved to center to fill a big void left by the departed Chris Jurek. He stepped in admirably and anchored an inexperienced group. He once again earned second-team All Big East honors. 

In his five years at Cincinnati, Kelce has been through three head coaches. He has also been to four bowl games, including two BCS bowls. 

While he has never been the flashy and explosive guy many NFL teams may desire, his leadership and work ethic will allow him to succeed at the next level and possibly develop into a starter on Sundays.