http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl.../011408aad.html <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">All-America cornerback Mike Mickens has decided to stay at University of Cincinnati for his senior year, head coach Brian Kelly announced today. </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">"We submitted the paperwork requesting that Mike be judged by the NFL's advisory committee," head coach Brian Kelly said. "The committee gathered information and projected him a third-round grade. These projections are not always accurate, but they gave Mike an opportunity to learn about the process and what he needs to do to prepare for life after UC." </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">Mickens, a 6-0, 190-pounder who has started for three years with the Bearcats, said that requesting a draft grade did not mean he was looking to jump to the NFL. </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">"I have my grade back and talked to my family about what is best for me at this time," Mickens said. "I feel like I have received good advice and I am in a good situation at Cincinnati. I enjoy being able to have my family and friends support me and watch our home games. </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">Named to the FWAA All-America Team, Mickens captured first-team all-BIG EAST Conference honors in 2007, recording 53 tackles and six interceptions. Mickens returned two picks for touchdown during the season for the nation's top defense in terms of takeaways (42) and interceptions (26). </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">"We have a great schedule next year, which should challenge us," Mickens added. "I'm on track to graduate next spring, which will make my mom happy." </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">January 15 is the deadline for players to declare their early entry into the 2008 NFL Draft. </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">Cincinnati returns 16 starters in 2008, including all-Americans Terrill Byrd, and Kevin Huber. </span></span> <span style="font-family:MyriadPro-Regular"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%"></div> </span></span>
