Tony Pike, QB

Pike, a late bloomer who made the most of his opportunity after taking over the starting position for the Bearcats in 2008, drew a lot of attention from scouts even as most of the headlines went to Tebow, McCoy, Clausen and Bradford.

Cincinnati became a BCS bowl team for the first time in 2008, again playing in the BCS bowl series in '09. Since taking over the starting quarterback position, Pike led the team to a 16-3 record. The team's once struggling offense greatly improved under his guidance.

The Bearcats ranked 26th in the nation in passing (253.0 yards per game), 52nd in total offense (370.64 yards per game), 55th in scoring (25.86 points per game) and 27th in passing efficiency (112.32 rating) as a junior, when he entered the starting lineup in UC's third game of that campaign. During his four games out of the lineup, the team averaged just 227.75 yards per game passing, but with Pike at the helm, the Bearcats improved that figure to 263.1 yards per game in 2008.

As a senior, he guided the team to their first perfect regular season (12-0) before losing to Florida in the Sugar Bowl. The offense finished 11th in the nation in total offense (447.46 yards per game), eighth in passing yardage (308.77 yards per game) and fourth in scoring (38.62 points per game), while leading the Big East Conference in each of those categories.

Pike ranked 12th in the nation with a 149.82 passer-efficiency rating, while also leading the Big East Conference in total offense (252.60 yards per game). He was second in the NCAA Football Bowl Championship Subdivision ranks in points responsible for (19.00 points per game). He concluded his career with a string of 10 straight games with at least two touchdown passes and had at least one scoring strike in each of his 19 starts. Perhaps it was fitting that he was the first quarterback invited to play in the prestigious 2010 Senior Bowl, the second UC quarterback to ever participate in that game, joining Greg Cook (1969).

Pike was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, an honor presented annually to the top senior quarterback by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Foundation, encapsulating all that is positive in college sports.

Pike battled long odds -- he wasn't listed on the preseason depth chart -- to earn the starting quarterback job for Cincinnati after Dustin Grutza suffered a fibula fracture early in the 2008 schedule. Pike started just two games before he was also injured, fracturing his left forearm vs. Akron that would require surgery on Sept. 29.

Showing the kind of work ethic that made famous by Unitas, Pike not only made a hasty return to the lineup after missing only two games, but also displayed "Brett Favre toughness." Three weeks after he broke his non-passing arm, the Bearcats quarterback was back taking snaps in practice, returning to the lineup vs. Connecticut.

While his return to the lineup was remarkable, teammates still talk about what happened in practice on Oct. 21. Wearing a bright red No. 15 jersey that was supposed to protect him from taking hits, Pike took a snap in shotgun formation and was bumped off-balance by a charging defensive player. But Pike instinctively prevented himself from falling by extending his left arm -- the one with the forearm covered by a soft cast -- to the ground.

The forearm, which is held together by a plate and six screws, didn't hurt at all. It's was a huge boost for Cincinnati, which has gone through four quarterbacks because of injury.

"You can't even really feel it anymore," Pike said after practice.

Pike won over teammates and the coaching staff with his improved performances each week, going on to compile an 8-2 record as a starter, leading the Bearcats to an 11-3 record, capturing the Big East Conference title and a berth in the BCS, playing vs. Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. He earned second-team All-Big East accolades and was selected to ESPN's All-Mayday team, chosen by football analyst Mark May, honoring college players who have shown a tremendous amount of toughness and determination through-out a season and/or career.

Pike was named the Cincinnati Division II-III Player of the Year as a senior at Reading Community High School, where he also earned Cincinnati Hills League and Southwest Ohio Player of the Year honors. The first-team All-State selection was also chosen to play in the area's East-West All-Star Game.

The senior quarterback went on to establish 12 school passing records. He led the team to a 12-1 record and a runner-up finish in the regional, as he completed 319-of-531 passes (60.1 percent) for 4,355 yards and 46 touchdowns to record a 21-4 record as a starter in his last two campaigns.

Pike added second-team All-Southwest Ohio recognition and earned honorable mention All-City and All-District accolades as a junior. He also competed in basketball and baseball. He helped the hoops squad capture the state title as a junior and advance to the regional finals as a senior, as he averaged 12.8 points and 9.6 rebounds.

On the baseball diamond, Pike batted .432 with 62 runs batted in, earning All-City honors as a senior. The Honor Roll student was also heavily involved in community service activities, including peer tutoring and participation on the school's Esteem Team.

Pike's sports bloodlines (brother, Doug, followed Tony to Ready High School, where he lettered as a two-way lineman in football and as a forward on the basketball team) and academic success saw him excel in summer football camps, attending those festivities on the campuses at Purdue, Cincinnati and Bowling Green, among others. His father, Steve, a former linebacker at Kent State, helped Tony in deciding between Toledo and Cincinnati to pursue his collegiate career.

After careful review, the Pike family and Tony felt the offer The University of Cincinnati made was the best for them. While Toledo had sent papers for Tony to sign, he was also getting hard looks from the Bearcat's new coaching staff, and liked what he heard from them. The Cincinnati staff had Tony "greyshirt" during 2004 preseason drills and he later enrolled as a full-time student in January, 2005.

While the additional time used by Pike to enroll helped him acclimate to the university life, his football career was put into moth balls for his first two seasons. He red-shirted in 2005, but still managed to earn Bearcat Academic Honor Roll recognition during that fall semester. He was assigned jersey No. 18 upon his arrival and competed for the quarterback position in 2006 fall camp, but never got on the field that year, as he was listed third on the depth chart behind starter Dustin Grutza and second-string QB Nick Davila.

In 2007, Pike switched to jersey No. 15 and played behind Grutza and Ben Mauk in five of the team's first seven games. He finished with just 91 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions while completing 11-of-20 attempts (55.0 percent). He also added 75 yards on seven rushing attempts (10.7-yard average).

With Ben Mauk challenging the NCAA in his fight for a sixth year of eligibility and the arrival of Notre Dame transfer Demetrius Jones, Pike was in for a heated battle to move up from the low rungs of Cincinnati's depth chart during 2008 spring camp. Grutza eventually was named the team's starter entering the season, but when injuries depleted the team's resources behind center, Pike seized his opportunity.

In 12 games, he connected on 199-of-324 tosses, as his pass completion percentage of 61.4 rank third on the school's season-record list. His 2,407 aerial yards rank ninth while his touchdown/interception margin (19/11) rank third, 199 completions rank eighth and 136.39 passing efficiency rating rank eighth on Cincinnati's annual record charts. His passing efficiency rating also placed third in the Big East Conference for the season, as he was responsible for 20 total touchdowns, adding another score on the ground.

Pike earned the Johnny Unitas Award nomination and was named the first-team All-Big East Conference preseason quarterback in 2009. He completed 211-of-338 passes (62.4%) for 2,520 yards. His 29 touchdown passes rank second on the school season-record list and he threw just six interceptions during the campaign. His six touchdown tosses in the Illinois clash set a school game-record and his five 300-yard aerial performances were one shy of the UC annual record of six, set by Greg Cook in 1968.

Accuracy: Smooth, accurate throws to either sideline. On the money with slants, giving receivers a chance to make a play after the catch. Puts good air under the deep ball when the receiver is behind his man and calmly throws to the wide open man with a little off the ball when defenders fall down. Makes the behind-the-shoulder throw when needed. Places end zone throws where only his receiver can make the play. Accurate with a defender draped on him. Height and delivery make most of his misses high. Throws sideline passes too far inside where corners and safeties can make the play.

Arm Strength: Average to above-average arm. Typically throws with seemingly little effort but recognizes when he really needs to step into one. Throws outs to the short or far side with plenty of strength. Tight spiral on most passes, but will wobble a bit when putting air under the throw. Good touch on short throws. Has zip on intermediate throws when arm drops into three-quarter slot.

Setup/Release: Usually works out of the shotgun, but is also poised taking the snap under center. Agile coming out from the snap to hand off despite his height. Stands tall (literally and figuratively) and carries the ball well in the pocket. Quiet feet and shows good balance when not pressured, but tends to get skittish and leave the pocket unnecessarily. Mostly over the top with his delivery with nice follow through to ensure accuracy. Drops his arm into a three-quarters slot when the time is right. Steps up into the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield and deliver. Lapses into a wind-up at times instead of his typically quick release.

Reading Defenses: Recognizes defense's weakness and exploits it. Height allows him to survey the field and find second or third option when patient, but often bird-dogs primary option, allowing defenders to knock down passes or jump routes. Doesn't recognize zone corners or safeties waiting for his late throws. Puts balls into traffic, putting his receivers at risk over the middle, or throws across his body over the middle when trying to make a play. Floats passes down the middle, allowing safeties into the play. Can throw before his receiver makes his break on out routes. Needs to sell ball and pump fakes better.

On the Move: Unexpected mobility for his size. Some elusiveness in the pocket and in the open field. Runs with the ball too loose inside and outside the pocket. Doesn't go down as easily as you would think given his lean frame; able to step away from players falling at his feet or trying to cut tackle him. Feels back-side pressure and capable of staying ahead of quick defenders to get the ball away. Will slide when prudent, although it is a bit awkward because of his height. Makes accurate short, intermediate and deep throws running to either his left or right, keeping his shoulders square while moving down the line.

Intangibles: Strong competitor; no problems with his work ethic or ability to run an NFL offense. Stepped up his leadership as a senior, but there are still questions there. Durability is a major concern given his lanky frame and injury history. Missed four games in 2009 after needing surgery to replace a damaged a protective six-inch plate already inserted in his left (non-throwing) arm from a break occurring in 2008.

In 27 games at Cincinnati, Pike started 19 contests, hitting on 421-of-682 passes for 5,018 yards, 49 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, adding three scores on 94 carries for 128 yards (1.36-yard average) while amassing 5,146 yards on 776 offensive plays (6.63 yards per play/ 190.59 yards per game) … His pass completion percentage of 61.73 topped the previous school career record of 60.9 percent by Ben Mauk (2007), as it also placed him fourth on the Big East Conference all-time record chart behind Brian Brohm of Louisville (65.69 percent on 714-of-1,087 attempts, 2005-07), Pat White of West Virginia (64.75 percent on 507-of-783 throws, 2005-08) and Dan Orlovsky of Connecticut (63.02 percent on 288-of-457 tosses in 2004) … Pike's pass completion percentage of 61.42 in 2008 rank fourth on the Bearcats season-record list and his 62.43 pass completion percentage in 2009 rank third behind Danny McCoin (64.23 percent in 1986) and Eric Vibberts (62.6 percent in 1994) … His 62.43 percent rate in 2009 is the best by a Bearcat since the school joined the Big East … His touchdown/interception margin of plus-29 (49 TDs/20 INTs) rank second on the school all-time record list behind Gino Guidugli (plus-30; 78 TDs/48 INTs; 2001-04) … His 2009 touchdown/interception ratio of plus-230 surpassed the old Cincinnati season-record of plus-22 by Ben Mauk in 2007 … Pike's 49 touchdown passes place him second in school history behind Gino Guidugli (78, 2001-04) and also tied Henry Burris of Temple (1993-96) for 11th in Big East Conference annals … His 29 touchdown tosses as a senior rank second on the Cincinnati annual record chart behind Ben Mauk's 31 scoring strikes in 2007 … Pike set the school game-record with six touchdown passes vs. Illinois in 2009, breaking the previous mark of five scoring tosses by Gino Guidugli vs. Southern Mississippi in 2004 … Those six touchdowns tied Mike Teel of Rutgers (vs. Pittsburgh on 10/25/08), Devin Scott of Temple (vs. Rutgers on 10/30/99) and Marc Bulger of West Virginia (vs. Pittsburgh on 11/27/98) for third on the Big East Conference game-record list, surpassed by Mike Teel of Rutgers (seven vs. Louisville on 12/4/08) and Pete Gonzalez of Pittsburgh (seven vs. Rutgers on 10/24/97) … Had at least one touchdown pass in each of his nineteen starting assignments and threw at least two touchdowns in every one of the ten games he started in 2009 … His 421 pass completions rank fourth in school history behind Gino Guidugli (880, 2001-04), Danny McCoin (544, 1984-87) and Deontey Kenner … Pike's 199 pass completions in 2008 rank eighth and his 211 successful tosses in 2009 rank sixth on Cincinnati's season-record list … His 32 pass completions vs. Illinois in 2009 rank third on the school game-record list behind Greg Cook (35 vs. Ohio University in 1968) and Deontey Kenner (35 vs. Southern Mississippi in 1999) and his 31 completions vs. Oregon State in 2009 rank fourth on that list … His 32 completions in the 2009 Illinois clash placed eighth on the Big East game-record book … Pike is just the second player in school history to have 30 or more completions in a game twice in the same season (Cook also had 31 vs. Miami of Ohio in 1968) … Ranks fifth in Cincinnati annals with 682 pass attempts and his 324 attempts in 2008 tied Danny Barrett for 10th on the UC season-record chart, while his 338 attempts in 2009 rank ninth … His 49 pass attempts vs. Oregon State in 2009 tied Greg Cook (vs. Houston in 1968) and Troy Bodine (vs. Akron in 1984) for tenth place on the Bearcats game-record list … Pike's 5,018 yards passing rank fourth in school annals, surpassed by Deontey Kenner (6,278 from 1997-2000), Danny McCoin (6,801 from 1984-87) and Gino Guidugli (11,453 from 2001-04) … His 2,407 aerial yards in 2008 and 2,520 yards in 2009 surpassed Danny Barrett's 1982 total of 2,222 yards for ninth and eighth, respectively, on the Bearcats' season-record list … His 399 aerial yards vs. Illinois in 2009 tied Danny McCoin (vs. Miami of Ohio in 1987) for fifth on Cincinnati's game-record chart … Threw for over 250 yards six times in both 2008 and 2009, the most by a Bearcats quarterback since Greg Cook produced eight consecutive 250-yard performances in 1968 … His five 300-yard aerial performances in 2009 were one shy of Greg Cook's season-record of six in 1968 … Those five 300-yard efforts in 2009 rank sixth on the Big East Conference annual record list, topped by Brian Brohm of Louisville (seven in 2007) and six each by Ryan Hart of Rutgers (2004), Rod Rutherford of Pittsburgh (2003), Brohm in 2006 and Mike Teel of Rutgers (2006) … Pike has thrown for over 300 yards seven times during his career, tying Alex Van Pelt of Pittsburgh (1991-92) for 10th place in Big East history and are the most by a Bearcat in a career since Cincinnati joined the conference … Gained 5,146 yards in total offense at Cincinnati, the fourth-best total in school history behind Danny McCoin (6,210 from 1984-87), Deontey Kenner (6,558 from 1997-2000) and Gino Guidugli (11,661 from 2001-04) … His 2,526 yards in total offense in 2009 rank eighth on the school season-record list … His 53 plays of total offense vs. Syracuse in 2008 rank 14th on the Bearcats' game-record list, while his 55 plays vs. Oregon State in 2009 rank tenth … Compiled a 16-2 record (.888) as a starter for the Bearcats.

Consensus All-Big East Conference first-team choice, earning league Player of the Week honors vs. Rutgers, Illinois and Pittsburgh … Member of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Davey O'Brien Award Watch Lists … Finalist for the Manning Award, which was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes into consideration the candidates' bowl performances … Elected offensive captain for his final season … Started ten games, as he suffered an injury to his non-throwing arm vs. South Florida, undergoing surgery to have a 2008 metal plate repaired. He was then forced to sit out the Louisville, Syracuse and Connecticut contests before returning for a cameo performance vs. West Virginia, but did not perform well upon his return, as he had 19 passes deflected and three interceptions in his final three contests … Ranked 12th in the nation and third in the conference with a 149.82 pass efficiency rating … Led the Big East and placed 29th in the major college ranks with an average of 252.6 yards per game in total offense and finished second in the nation while pacing the league in points responsible for, averaging 19.00 points per game … Completed 211 passes (sixth on the school season-record list) on 338 attempts, as his pass completion percentage of .6243 rank second on Cincinnati's season-record chart behind Danny McCoin (64.2 percent in 1986) … Threw for 29 touchdowns, ranking second on the UC annual record books behind Ben Mauk's 31 scoring strikes in 2007 … Had just six interceptions, as his touchdown/interception ratio of plus-23 broke the previous UC annual record of plus-22 by Mauk in 2007 … Averaged 252.00 aerial yards per game … Scored twice on 31 carries for 6 yards (0.19 ypc) … On 369 plays, Pike amassed 2,526 yards in total offense … Recorded a solo tackle and recovered a pair of fumbles … 109 of his 211 pass completions (54.35%) were good for first downs … Also engineered 35 successful third-down plays on 89 chances and converted 6-of-8 fourth-down plays … 101 of his completions (47.87%) gained at least ten yards, including 33 for 20 yards or longer (15.64%) … In addition to his six interceptions (1.78 interception rate), Pike had 39-of-338 pass attempts deflected by the opposition (11.54%) … Sacked 12 times for losses totaling 79 yards … Had three fumbles (none were recovered by the opposition), recovering two while also recording a solo tackle … Engineered 43 touchdown drives (offense scored 63 times, as Pike was involved in 68.25% of those possessions) and five others that ended with field goals.

All-Big East Conference second-team selection by the league's coaches, media and Phil Steele … Super Sleeper Team choice by The NFL Draft Report … Member of ESPN's All-May Day Team, a squad that honors college players who have shown a tremendous amount of toughness and determination through-out a season and/or career … Listed fourth on the depth chart entering spring camp, Pike moved into the starting lineup for the third game of the season, starting ten of the twelve contests he appeared in for the Bearcats … Missed the Marshall and Rutgers after he suffered a left forearm fracture … Underwent surgery on Sept. 29, as he had a plate and six screws inserted, but on Oct. 25, wearing a soft cast, he returned to the lineup to take snaps vs. Connecticut … Went on to complete 199 passes (eighth on the school season-record list) on 324 attempts (tied for ninth on the UC annual record chart), as his pass completion percentage of 61.05 ran third on the Bearcats season-record list … His touchdown/interception margin (19/11) of plus-eight rank third on UC's annual record books, while his nineteen scoring strikes rank fifth … Placed third in the Big East Conference and 35th in the nation with a 136.39 passing efficiency rating, the eighth-best season mark in school annals … 115 of his 199 pass completions (57.79%) resulted in first downs, as he helped engineer 45 successful third-down plays (on 118 chances, 38.14%) and four successful fourth-down plays (12 attempts), as he saw action on 380 offensive snaps … 97 of his pass completions (48.74%) were good for at least ten yards, including 27 tosses that gained at least 20 yards each (13.57%) … Had just 22 of his 324 pass attempts (6.79%) deflected by the opposition … Added 47 yards with one touchdown on 56 carries (0.8 avg) … Registered thirteen first downs on the ground, as he converted eight third-down plays with his feet, gaining at least 10 yards rushing on five of those 56 attempts … His 2,454 yards in total offense rank ninth on the school season-record list, as his average of 204.5 yards per game placed fourth in the Big East … Was sacked 18 times for losses of 118 yards and fumbled three times, but the Bearcats recovered each of those miscues … Pike's mobility was evident, as the opposition was able to register just two pressures on the quarterback for the season.

Pike appeared in five games, seeing action vs. Southeast Missouri State, Miami (Oh.), Marshall, San Diego State and Louisville … Listed third on the depth chart behind Ben Mauk and Dustin Grutza at quarterback … Completed 11-of-20 passes (55.0 percent) for 99 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions … Converted 6-of-13 third-down plays and both fourth-down snaps he was involved in, as he generated 166 yards in total offense (team gained 238 yards with Pike on the field) … Had a pair of his 20 pass attempts deflected by the opposition, as he recovered his own fumble and was not sacked on 27 plays from scrimmage … Threw for eight first downs (had four pass completions for 10 yards or longer) and ran for four others, as he gained 75 yards on seven carries (10.7 average) … Three of his rushing attempts were good for at least ten yards, including two carries for 20 yards or longer.

Deep on the depth chart, Pike competed for the reserve quarterback position, but did not see any game action.

Enrolled in January 2005 with redshirt status … Earned Bearcat Academic Honor Roll (Fall 2005) recognition.

2008: Suffered a left forearm fracture that required surgery on Sept. 29 to have a plate and six screws inserted. He returned to practice for light throwing on October 7th and was back in the starting lineup on Oct. 25 vs. Connecticut, sitting out only the Marshall (10/03) and Rutgers (10/10 games), but left the UConn clash after halftime when he began experiencing numbness in his injured left forearm (had problems making it difficult for him to handle the ball) … Wearing a black wrap that covered the removable cast that hid a four-inch scar from the operation, Pike took several rattling hits and hung in there until the middle of the fourth quarter of a 24-10 victory over South Florida before leaving the game … Pike left in the fourth quarter of Cincinnati's 28-20 win at Louisville (11/14) with a bruised sternum after having his wind knocked out with a helmet to the chest.

2009: Re-injured his non-throwing arm vs. South Florida (10/24), undergoing surgery to repair the plate that was inserted in 2008. Pike would then sit out the Louisville (10/24), Syracuse (10/31) and Connecticut (11/07) contests before returning for a cameo appearance vs. West Virginia (11/13). He would return to the starting lineup for the final two games of the regular season vs. Illinois (11/27) and Pittsburgh (45-44).

Campus: 4.76 in the 40-yard dash … 1.69 10-yard dash … 2.76 20-yard dash … 3.87 20-yard shuttle … 6.75 three-cone drill … 33 1/2-inch vertical jump … 9'4" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 13 times.

Attended Reading (Cincinnati, Oh.) Community High School, playing football for head coach Ken Minor … Named the Cincinnati Division II-III Player of the Year as a senior and also earned Cincinnati Hills League and Southwest Ohio Player of the Year honors … The first-team All-State selection was also chosen to play in the area's East-West All-Star Game … The senior quarterback went on to establish 12 school passing records … Led the team to a 12-1 record and a runner-up finish in the regionals, as he completed 319-of-531 passes (60.1%) for 4,355 yards and 46 touchdowns to record a 21-4 record as a starter in his last two campaigns … Added second-team All-Southwest Ohio recognition and earned honorable mention All-City and All-District accolades as a junior … Also competed in basketball and baseball … Helped the hoops squad capture the state title as a junior and advance to the regional finals as a senior, as he averaged 12.8 points and 9.6 rebounds …

On the baseball diamond, Pike batted .432 with 62 runs batted in, earning All-City honors as a senior … The Honor Roll student was also heavily involved in community service activities, including peer tutoring and participation on the school's Esteem Team.

History major, earning school academic honors … Son of Cheri and Steve Pike … Father was a linebacker at Kent State … Younger brother, Doug, followed Tony at Reading High School, where he was a two-way lineman on the football team and a forward on the basketball squad … Born Anthony Steven Pike on 3/10/86 … Resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.