Cincinnati Football: Trio of former Bearcats compete in the annual Reese’s Senior Bowl

The Bearcats were well represented in the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday as Ivan Pace Jr, Tre Tucker and Josh Whyle competed for the National Team.

Pace was named the Defensive MVP award after racking up a game-high 10 tackles and showing off his ability to blitz and drop into different pass coverages.

Tucker and Whyle both had one catch and combined for 43 total yards as the National Team took home a 27-10 win in the annual Senior Bowl.

All three prospects will compete in the Scouting Combine from March 2-5 at Lucas Oil Stadium with another opportunity to impress ahead of the NFL Draft in April.

Cincinnati Football: Trio of former Bearcats compete in the annual Reese’s Senior Bowl

In addition to securing the Defensive MVP award, Pace received National Team Linebacker of the Week because of his hard work throughout the process.

The Cincinnati native earned All-American honors and earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year during his lone season at his hometown school.

Pace led the Bearcats with 136 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks including a team-high 16 tackles in the Fenway Bowl against Louisville.

Despite being labeled undersized at his position, Pace’s draft stock should continue to rise after his impressive showing at the Senior Bowl in Alabama.

Cincinnati Football: Tre Tucker, Josh Whyle accept invitations to upcoming Senior Bowl

Tucker finished his career with the third-most kick off return yards in program history and was second on the team with 672 receiving yards last season.

In addition to being a dynamic returner, Tucker became a key part of the Bearcats offense as a junior and propelled that into a great senior campaign.

During his five-year career, Whyle earned three All-AAC selections and developed into one of the best Bearcats tight ends ever with 88 receptions.

Whyle surpassed Brent Celek with the most career touchdowns for a tight end in school history and became the third tight end to record 1,000+ receiving yards.