Updated: 4:30 p.m.
The Bengals selected one of college football's bigger heroes during 2007 in the sixth round when they took Appalachian State free safety and special-teams ace Corey Lynch.
The 6-foot, 204-pound Lynch, married to the granddaughter of the Rev. Billy Graham, preserved the seminal upset over Michigan with one of his three blocked kicks of the season. Lynch, the club's leading tackler last year, had 24 career interceptions.
"I'll be the best special teams player on the field," Lynch said when asked how he'll contribute if he doesn't play safety. "The difference in me than most guys is I enjoy playing special teams. It's one of my passions because one yard, especially in the NFL, is a big difference.
"If you can get the returner for one yard before he gets up field, that's very critical in the NFL. I enjoyed it," he said.
Lynch feels like he's coming home. His mother grew up in the Cleveland area, the Rev. Graham has held a service at Paul Brown Stadium, and his play against Michigan has made him an adopted Buckeye.
He got E-Mails and letters after popping the big play in the Big House. A man that wore an Appalachian jersey Lynch sent him received a standing ovation at Jacobs Field when the Indians were in the post season.
Married to Sissy Graham, daughter of Franklin Graham, Lynch says the man they call "Daddy Bill," is a football fan.
"He watches all our games and he always asks me how the quarterback is doing, how the running backs are doing," Lynch said. "He's definitely into Appalachian football."
