Sunday, October 25, 2009

Wildcats in the house

Grant Boone, Gerald Ewing and I have not only made our way into Paul Brown Stadium, we've already been down on the field and talked with Bernard Scott, Johnny Knox and Danieal Manning.

The people here at Paul Brown Stadium have been more than accomodating, and the stadium is beautiful. A lot of things going on inside and around the stadium, which has a little bit of a big-time college atmosphere.

The trees around northern Kentucky and southern Ohio are in full fall bloom, there's a bit of a chill in the air and we've got three former Wildcats on the field today as the Bears and Bengals are kicking it off in about 90 minutes. It's all setting up to be a great day.

We visited with Bernard first, who had a lot of good things to say about the Bengals and the organizations. He hasn't touched the ball as much as he would like, but did say that he would be back deep on kickoffs today and that he might get more touches in the offense after working more with the offense this week in practice.

Johnny has already apparently made an impression on one of the league's best receivers as Chad Ochocinco came over during pre-game warmups to share a hug and a few words. Johnny's the same as always: big smile and a humble attitude.

The last guy out on the field was Danieal, and let me tell you, the guy is an absolute brick. Gave him a hug and it was like hugging a tree trunk. Not that he was a softie at ACU, but he looks like he's put on about 15 pounds of pure muscle. He talked glowingly of ACU, head coach Chris Thomsen and his time in Abilene. Mentioned how he needs to get back and finish that degree.

All three players seemed genuinely touched that ACU president Dr. Royce Money and director of athletics Jared Mosley would be in attendance. Pictures on the field with all of us together.

Again, should be a great, great day. More later as the game goes on.

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