Former Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday, who was discovered at Central Arkansas by UC’s personnel staff, has been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the NFL draft.
The Arlington, Tennessee resident had made a trip north and had hoped the Vikes would call.
“I went on a visit and absolutely loved it so I was super excited when I saw them calling,” Golday said from his home. “I didn’t really know what to expect. I’m just super excited and blessed and honored for this opportunity. Just get me on a team so I can go play some football and prove to everybody who I am.”
The 6-foot-4.5″, 239-pound Golday was rated by many as UC’s top prospect. ESPN had him rated as the No. 49 overall prospect.
Golday joins former Cincinnati Bearcat linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. in Minnesota, but has yet to meet the former Colerain High star.
“I’ve heard tons of good stories about him, so it’ll be awesome to get to know him and have him as a teammate,” Golday said.
Golday led Central Arkansas in tackles in 2023 with 84, including seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. General manager Zach Grant’s staff then found the Arlington, Tennessee native on tape and Golday came to the Big 12, where he had 58.5 tackles in 2024 with seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Golday led the Bearcats in tackles last season with 105, including six TFL, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
What Cincinnati Bearcats LB Jake Golday offers Minnesota Vikings
“I’m coming in first day and I’m going to be myself every single day consistently,” Golday said. “I’m a hard worker, that’s how I’m going to earn respect from my peers. I’m going to just take it one day at a time, and put my best foot forward every single day.”
Golday was First Team Big 12 and became the first Bearcat since Pace Jr. in 2022 to have over 100 tackles in a season.
Jake Golday’s favorite Minnesota Viking?
“Jared Allen, he’s a great one, a Hall of Famer,” Golday said. “There’s a bunch. I mean the team’s amazing right now with so many amazing athletes. I don’t want to leave anybody out.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jake Golday, Former Cincinnati LB, drafted by Vikings in NFL draft
Reporting by Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
