After not being selected in the NFL Draft, former Cincinnati Bearcats star linebacker Ivan Pace Jr signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night!
Despite being labeled as undersized at the linebacker position, Pace flashed next level potential throughout his career and will look to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Pace totaled a team-high 136 tackles and nine sacks last season, becoming the first unanimous All-American in school history and taking home AAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cincinnati native and former Miami linebacker finished his career with 306 tackles and 20 sacks. Pace spent three seasons at Miami before joining his hometown Bearcats.
Cincinnati native and #Bearcats linebacker Ivan Pace Jr signed with the #Vikings as an undrafted free agent! 🐾https://t.co/2XcdvQ6Q6E pic.twitter.com/vn1jW6tqED
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) April 30, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Minnesota Vikings sign former Bearcats star linebacker Ivan Pace Jr
Make sure to stay tuned for additional draft coverage as several other former Bearcats hope to get signed including Ty Van Fossen, Ja’Von Hicks, Jabari Taylor, James Tunstall and more!
Hicks compiled 197 tackles and 10 interceptions during his career, the sixth-most in program history, highlighted by a 45-yard touchdown return in the home opener last season.
Multiple former #Bearcats are hoping to get selected in the NFL Draft this week including AAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American linebacker Ivan Pace Jr!https://t.co/2XcdvQ6Q6E pic.twitter.com/WIfFMyiWcU
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) April 28, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Ivan Pace Jr headlines former Bearcats hoping to get selected in NFL Draft
Pace showed off his elite tackling ability in his lone season at Cincinnati, highlighted by a memorable performance that included 15 tackles and 2.5 sacks against Indiana.
Following the blowout win over Indiana in late September, Pace brought home a ton of accolades including AAC Defensive Player of the Week and Bednarik National Player of the Week.