Brent Celek

TE · Cincinnati
Celek emerged as the Bearcats' clutch receiver during his last three seasons. Hard work in the team's off-season training program saw Celek add close to 15 pounds of muscle to his frame before the 2006 season opener. That added bulk was evident on his sensational 83-yard touchdown catch-and-run against Rutgers, as he dragged several defenders along the way while breaking several tackles. Celek was a two-sport standout at LaSalle High School, excelling in football and track. He earned first-team All-District honors as both a junior and senior. Celek caught 19 passes for 384 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a school-record 89-yard scoring grab during his final season, earning team MVP accolades. The three-year starter twice earned All-League recognition. He lettered twice in track, owning a personal best of 49'6" in the shot put. Celek enrolled at Cincinnati in 2003, seeing action in 12 games as a true freshman. He started three contests, but was used mostly as a blocker, finishing with 39 yards on a pair of catches. In 2004, Celek started 11 of 12 games. He garnered second-team All-Conference USA honors as he caught 22 passes for 254 yards (11.5 avg) and set a school single-season record for tight ends with eight touchdowns. He also assisted on one tackle. The All-Big East Conference Academic Team choice was named the Bearcats' Most Outstanding Receiver. His 32 receptions for 361 yards (11.3 avg) rank third on the school's single-season record list among tight ends. He scored three times, posted three solo tackles and had a 10-yard kickoff return. Celek started every game in 2006. He ranked third on the team with 35 catches for 481 yards (14.8 avg) and three touchdowns. He also extended his streak of at least one catch in a game to 25. In 48 games at Cincinnati, Celek started 38 times. He ranks third all-time among Bearcats tight ends with 91 receptions for 1,135 yards (12.5 avg), while his 14 touchdowns are tied for third on the school's all-time list. He registered five tackles (four solos) and gained 10 yards on one kickoff return.