From 2007-2013, the University of Cincinnati football program developed a strong reputation for being a pipeline to the professional level, developing future stars like Connor Barwin, Travis Kelce, and Derek Wolffe. But that streak ended thanks to a few weak recruiting classes brought in by Lyle Allen “Butch” Jones before Jones dropped the rope and bolted for a pile of creamsicle orange monopoly money in Knoxville, TN, and the UC program has seen it’s players shut out of the last two NFL Drafts.
In 2016, the drought ended, as two Bearcats were selected by NFL clubs.