Bengals give OSU's Boeckman a shot

Terry Gilliam/Associated Press Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman was not drafted by any NFL team, but the Bengals are inviting him to try out.

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer 12:40 AM Tuesday, April 28, 2009

All quarterback Todd Boeckman wants is a chance to prove he’s worthy of the NFL.

He’ll get that opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The former Ohio State quarterback from St. Henry High School, along with OSU offensive tackle Steve Rehring, has accepted the club’s tryout offer at its rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday, May 1-3. They report to Paul Brown Stadium on Thursday.

“Anytime you get an opportunity to fulfill your dream, it means a lot,” Boeckman said Monday night. “It’s a great opportunity for me. I just want to show what I’m capable of doing and prove I can make this team.”

Purdue wide receiver Greg Orton (Wayne High School) reportedly signed a free-agent contract with the Bengals. Numerous non-drafted Buckeyes are getting a shot — Alex Boone (49ers), AJ Trapasso (Titans), Rory Nicol (Redskins), Brandon Smith (Bears), Ben Person (Lions) and Nader Abdallah (Jaguars).

Boeckman led the Big Ten in passing efficiency in 2007, completing 191 of 299 (63.9 percent) for 2,379 yards, 25 TDs and 14 interceptions.

Even though he lost the starting job to Terrelle Pryor in 2008, Boeckman attracted NFL scouts.

“You look at my film and I have good accuracy, good touch on the ball and a solid arm,” he said. “Hopefully all that translates to the NFL.”

The disappointment of not getting drafted was erased when Jim Lippincott, the Bengals director of football operations, phoned him Monday.

“It was definitely a long, exhausting weekend,” Boeckman said. “That’s probably the most I’ve ever watched the draft. Unfortunately, my name wasn’t called. But it’s still nice to get opportunities. That’s all I wanted and all I needed.”

Seven Buckeyes were drafted over the weekend, including linebacker Marcus Freeman, the former Wayne High standout, by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round.

»Analysis of the Bengals and Browns draft picks on B3

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