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Bengals
Former Centerville High School star likes chances with Bengals
Defensive end among area products set to participate in rookie minicamps.
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By Chick Ludwig,
Staff Writer
Updated 8:33 AM Thursday, April 30, 2009
Dan Cline weighed several options. He considered tryout invitations from Denver, Cleveland and New Orleans. But the Bengals’ offer was the most enticing.
They see him as a defensive end in the 4-3 scheme. Plus, Cincinnati is close to home. Both factors made Cline’s decision an easy one.
“I’m just excited to become a Bengal,” he said. “I really felt the Bengals offered the best opportunity to compete for a roster spot. This is a dream come true.”
The 6-foot-6, 272-pounder from Western Kentucky University and Centerville High School joins Purdue wide receiver Greg Orton (Wayne High School) and Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman (St. Henry High School) at Bengals rookie minicamp.
They report to Paul Brown Stadium today, April 30. Five practices — closed to the public — are scheduled Friday through Sunday.
Orton was signed as a priority college free agent. Boeckman and Cline will compete on a tryout basis, hoping to land contracts.
“That’s what I’m shooting for,” Cline said. “I’m excited to show what I can do and I’m confident this weekend will bring some success.”
Quick hitters
• Cline has a friend in offensive tackle Andre Smith, the Bengals’ first-round draft pick from Alabama.
The Crimson Tide defeated visiting Western Kentucky 41-7 on Sept. 13, 2008, and even though they didn’t face one another — Smith was a left offensive tackle, while Cline lined up at left defensive end — they clicked.
“Me and Andre’s family talked for about 10 minutes,” Cline said. “He was cool, and he’s a great player. He can move for a big man.”
• David Bruton (Miamisburg, Notre Dame) leaves for Denver today, but he’ll be back. The Broncos open the 2009 season at Cincinnati on Sept. 13.
“That’s great,” he said. “I’ll be close to home.”
• Marcus Freeman (Wayne, Ohio State) will see Soldier Field for the first time today.
“When you think about linebackers,” he said, “you think about the Chicago Bears — Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher.”
Where locals landed
Todd Boeckman, QB, Ohio State (St. Henry) — Cincinnati Bengals (Lands a tryout).
Brock Bolen, FB, Louisville (Valley View) — Jacksonville Jaguars (Free-agent contract).
David Bruton, FS, Notre Dame (Miamisburg) — Denver Broncos (Fourth-round draft pick, No. 114 overall).
Dan Cline, DE, Western Kentucky (Centerville) — Cincinnati Bengals (Tryout).
Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio State (Wayne) — Chicago Bears (Fifth-round draft pick, No. 154 overall).
Brandon Harrison, CB, Michigan (Chaminade Julienne) — Indianapolis Colts (Free-agent contract).
Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati (Wayne) — Dallas Cowboys (Seventh-round pick, No. 227 overall).
Greg Orton, WR, Purdue (Wayne) — Cincinnati Bengals (Free-agent contract).
Ben Person, OL, Ohio State (Xenia) — Detroit Lions (Tryout).
Javon Ringer, TB, Michigan St. (Chaminade Julienne) — Tennessee Titans (Fifth-round draft pick, No. 173 overall).
— Compiled by Chick Ludwig, staff writer
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