Former Razorback Jonathan Luigs was drafted in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals after four years at Arkansas.

Luigs reaps benefits from senior season at Arkansas

By: Harold McIlvain II

Posted: 4/29/09

It wasn't an easy senior season for Jonathan Luigs under center at Arkansas.

After becoming the first Razorback to win the Rimington Trophy, Luigs came back for his last year as a Razorback to learn the new schemes and techniques under Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino in his pass-heavy offense.

Now as he looks forward to playing in the NFL after being drafted in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals, Luigs said the time was well spent despite the coaching changes.

"It's not something I wanted to spend my senior year doing - going through a transition year," Luigs said during a teleconference. "It was tough."

But Luigs said at the same time, he gained valuable experience from Petrino and the coaching staff.

"(The offense) helped me expand my knowledge of football," Luigs said. "It helped me to become a better player."

Luigs and the offensive line helped Arkansas rank second in the Southeastern Conference by averaging 260 yards a game through the air.

Petrino said learning a new offense in the NFL wouldn't be a problem for Luigs.

"He will know what to do and will immediately pick up the offense," Petrino said. "He has the physical tools to do it. Jonathan will play a long time on the next level."

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he expected Luigs to get an opportunity to compete for the starting center spot.

"We have a number of guys that are here now that are in line to compete for that job," Lewis said. "We look for (Luigs) to improve. We are really excited to have him. He is a good fit at the right spot."

The Cincinnati coaching staff was able to met Luigs at the Senior Bowl and later saw him again at the NFL combine.

"He was a pleasure in the time that we spent with him in Indianapolis (during the combine)," Lewis said. "He was also in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, so we have been around him quite a bit."

Lewis said Luigs, the 106th overall pick and only Razorback player taken in the draft, was a good value pick for the Bengals.

"(Luigs) has played a lot of football at Arkansas," Lewis said. "He is a big, strong guy - very, very smart."

Being selected by the Bengals wasn't a surprise for Luigs. He said it was a possibility after being interviewed by the organization at the combine and when a Bengals coach came to the Arkansas Pro Day.

"To play in the NFL has been a dream of mine," Luigs said. "Having the opportunity to play for such a good organization is an exciting time in my life."

Luigs said he looks forward to the challenge of playing in the NFL.

"If you look at the talent level in the NFL, there are grown men playing," Luigs said. "I hope the SEC prepared me."

It was a possibility for Luigs to be selected a round earlier than the projected range of the fourth-to-sixth round after three centers were drafted in the first day of the draft.

But Luigs didn't have to wait too much during the second day of the draft.

"It's tough," Luigs said of the waiting process. "At the same time those taken before me are good ballplayers. I was glad to see them go and get the opportunity, but I'm glad it all has worked out for me to come to Cincinnati."

But Luigs wasn't the only Razorback to have an opportunity to extend his playing career.

Fellow offensive lineman Jose Valdez signed with the Atlanta Flacons as an undrafted free agent. Defensive back Jamar Love fielded multiple offers but decided to play for the New England Patriots.

The New York Jets, who have one active tight end on roster, added depth with the signing of Andrew Davie. The Jets also invited quarterback Casey Dick to try out for the team. Quarterback Alex Mortensen agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans.