Twelve of the BIG EAST's best learned the first steps in their professional careers as their names were called in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati led the BIG EAST contingent with four players selected by NFL teams, while West Virginia had three players chosen. Syracuse had two players drafted, while Connecticut, Rutgers and Louisville had one each.

West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin, a two-time All-BIG EAST selection, was the first BIG EAST player off the board. The Seattle Seahawks tabbed Irvin with the 15th pick in the draft. Another All-BIG EAST defensive end followed shortly thereafter as the New England Patriots chose Syracuse's Chandler Jones at No. 21.

Cincinnati's Derek Wolfe, who shared the 2011 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year award, was the first BIG EAST taken in the second round as he went to the Denver Broncos with the 36th overall selection. Connecticut's Kendall Reyes became the fourth straight BIG EAST defensive lineman chosen when the San Diego Chargers tabbed him with the 49th pick. Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead - the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 - went to the St. Louis Rams with the next selection, becoming the first offensive player from the BIG EAST taken in 2012.

Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, who set the BIG EAST's single-season receptions record in 2011 (115), was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round. The Cleveland Browns went back to the deep well of BIG EAST defensive linemen when they selected Cincinnati's John Hughes with the 87th pick.




BIG EAST Players Chosen In 2012 NFL Draft