Local flavor to college free agents

The Bengals today announced the signing of eight college free agents.

The list includes three players with local/regional connections. Half back Bradley Glatthaar is from Cincinnati (Elder High School) and played at the University of Cincinnati. Linebacker Anthony Hoke played at the University of Cincinnati, and fullback Tyler Whaley is from Ironton, Ohio (Ironton HS) and played at Ohio State.

The complete list of today’s signings:

NAME / POSITION / HEIGHT, WEIGHT / COLLEGE / HOMETOWN

James Blair / G / 6-3, 323 / Western Michigan / Detroit, Mich.

Justin Britt / G-C / 6-4, 302 / Alabama / Cullman, Ala.

Simeon Castille / CB / 6-0, 195 / Alabama / Birmingham, Ala.

Bradley Glatthaar / RB / 5-11, 245 / Cincinnati / Cincinnati

Anthony Hoke / LB / 6-0, 238 / Cincinnati / Warren, Ohio

James Johnson / RB / 5-11, 202 / Kansas State / Port Arthur, Texas

Michael Marquardt / DT / 6-3, 292 / Arizona State / Vista, Calif.

Tyler Whaley / FB / 5-11, 252 / Ohio State / Ironton, Ohio

Each of the eight players signed a two-year contract.

The CFA signees are having their first work with the team during this weekend’s minicamp for rookies and eligible first-year players at Paul Brown Stadium. The first practice is at 10:30 this morning.

TRYOUT PLAYERS

The Bengals also have arranged for a number of unsigned players to work with the team during the minicamp on a tryout basis.

Seven of the tryout players have local/regional connections: Offensive lineman Tom Anevski of Boston College is from Cincinnati (Elder HS). Cornerback Clay Hamblen is from Georgetown (Ky.) College. Running back Greg Moore is from the University of Cincinnati, and his hometown is Dayton, Ohio (Trotwood Madison HS). Running back Jay Peck of Alabama State is from Columbus, Ohio (Brookhaven HS). Wide receiver Brian Piper is from Georgetown (Ky.) College, and his hometown is Villa Hills, Ky. (Covington Catholic HS). Quarterback Jeff Smith is from Georgetown (Ky.) College, and his hometown is Fort Thomas, Ky. (Newport Catholic HS). Safety Anthony Williams is from the University of Cincinnati.