UC's Derek Wolfe has already proven he can rush
DT making most of late invitation


The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger
In Saturday's Senior Bowl, UC's Derek Wolfe is looking "to make plays, go out and play hard and show that effort.”

Written by
Joe Reedy

MOBILE, ALA. — Derek Wolfe’s Senior Bowl invitation was late but well deserved.

The University of Cincinnati defensive tackle was added to the roster on Saturday due to another player’s injury, and arrived Monday. Wolfe is on the North squad along with UC running back Isaiah Pead.

“I thought I deserved to be here and I’m glad I got my shot. I’m glad it all worked out,” Wolfe said. “Being from Cincinnati, you’re used to getting kicked to the side. I’m used to it, I really am. I do what I can, which is play hard and play fast. I just have to keep proving them wrong every day.”

Wolfe has done well in practices leading up to Saturday’s game, particularly in one-on-one line drills. He has had a pretty good rivalry with Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Adams. Scouts this week have liked Wolfe’s quickness off the edge and ability to shed blockers.

Wolfe was the Big East co-defensive player of the year and led the conference with an average of 1.65 tackles for loss per game. He had 9.5 sacks. For his career, Wolfe is fourth in sacks with 19.5 and 10th place in tackles for loss list with 37. He tallied 70 tackles, including 31 solo stops along with six QB hurries, a pair of forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The biggest reason, Wolfe said, why he likes being here is it gives him a jump on most of the combine field. Scouts get a chance to do some interviews this week and that there are four more practices and the game to get on tape.

“It’s a lot easier to go into the combine and know what to expect, it’s like having one foot in the door,” Wolfe said. “It’s just five more days of game tape to watch because we are out there fighting for jobs. My resume is on tape and I’m being watched. This is like a weeklong interview. It can stress some people out but I’m used to it.”

Even with a solid week, most observers still see Wolfe as a fifth- or sixth-round pick.

Considering the success of two sixth-round picks from last season, that might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Former UC center Jason Kelce started the entire season for the Eagles. Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones, a Moeller graduate who was in the Senior Bowl last year, will be in the Super Bowl next week with the Giants.

As for what he wants to accomplish on Saturday, Wolfe said: “I want to make plays, go out and play hard and show that effort.”

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