Sept 29, 2012; Landover,MD, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats offensive line including lineman Dan Sprague (63) and lineman Sam Longo (60) and lineman Parker Ehinger (78) prepare for a snap against Virginia Tech Hokies during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
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UC was blanked in the NFL Draft this past weekend. It was the first time since 2006 that no Cincinnati football player was selected by a pro team with any of the 256 picks. However five former Bearcats were invited to NFL camps following the Draft, including Blake Annen, Greg Blair, Andre Cureton, Brendon Kay, and Anthony McClung.
Notably absent, however, were offensive guards Sam Longo and Austen Bujnoch. Cincinnati’s starting interior linemen weren’t invited to the NFL Combine but Longo posted 47 reps on the bench press at UC’s Pro Day. Additionally both did an excellent job projecting Brendon Kay the past two seasons and now weigh in at over 300 lbs. So they had decent resumes to work with when selling themselves to NFL teams. What was even curiouser was the fact that their backup, Andre Cureton, was among the five UC players to receive an invitation to participate in a NFL camp. Nothing against him obviously but it was surprising seeing the player behind Longo and Bujnoch get the nod over them.
However, according to Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer, that error has been corrected.
Cincinnati’s offensive guards have finally been invited to tryouts to compete for a spot on a pro roster. Sam Longo was invited to the Browns’ camp and will join Greg Blair in Cleveland. Considering they just drafted their 157th franchise quarterback of this decade over the weekend in Johnny Manziel, the interior linemen’s skills could certainly make him standout in a camp. Also, Austen Bujnoch was invited to the New York Jets’ camp. That franchise is in a similar situation as the Browns as they continue to build an offense around second year quarterback Geno Smith. Considering the revolving door at this position recently, just like in Cleveland, I’m sure the Jets would like to protect him as much as possible and hopefully Bujnoch’s abilities fit the bill.