There are several former Cincinnati Bearcats looking to get selected in the upcoming NFL Draft including AAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American linebacker Ivan Pace Jr!
Despite being labeled undersized at the linebacker position, Pace’s draft stock has continued to rise after impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and Pro Day in recent months.
Pace became the second consecutive Bearcat to secure AAC Defensive Player of the Year and went onto receive the Senior Bowl Defensive MVP award following a historical campaign.
Stay tuned for coverage throughout the week as dozens of Cincinnati products look to secure a spot at the next level. The draft is set to begin on Thursday at 8:00 PM on ESPN and fuboTV.
#Bearcats linebacker prospect Ivan Pace Jr finished the 40-yard dash with an unofficial time of 4.50 seconds!https://t.co/4WRKIblLD6 pic.twitter.com/iZICTDm3hf
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) March 23, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Ivan Pace Jr headlines former Bearcats hoping to get selected in NFL Draft
After becoming the first unanimous All-American in program history, Pace decided to declare for the draft in December and is projected to be the first Bearcat selected this weekend!
During his lone season at Cincinnati, Pace compiled a team-best 136 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks including a team-high 16 tackles in the Fenway Bowl in December.
Despite coming up short, Ivan Pace Jr finished his historic season with a team-high 16 tackles after becoming the first unanimous All-American in #Bearcats history.https://t.co/OpOIVLe0qG pic.twitter.com/lGtqLUolB7
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) December 18, 2022
Cincinnati Football: Bearcats All-American linebacker Ivan Pace Jr prepares for NFL Draft
Pace showed off his elite ability in a win over Indiana with 15 tackles and 2.5 sacks en route to earning AAC Defensive Player of the Week and Bednarik National Player of the Week.
The Cincinnati native and former Miami linebacker finished his career with 306 tackles and 20 sacks in 35 games. Pace spent three seasons at Miami before joining the Bearcats last year.