April 24, 2005

With the 122nd pick overall and 21st in the fourth round of the 2005 Amateur National Football League Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Illinois center Duke Preston. Preston was the second player selected from the Illinois team this year, joining cornerback Kelvin Hayden who was selected by Indianapolis in the second round yesterday. Following today's draft, Illinois linebacker Matt Sinclair signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

"I think this is going to be a real good opportunity for me," Preston said. "I think they want me to play center. I feel real comfortable about going out there and doing my thing and seeing if I can get on the field as soon as possible. I visited Buffalo on April 6th and got to meet Coach Mularkey. I got a good feel of what they are trying to do."

Preston (San Diego, Calif./Mt. Carmel) was a three-year starter for the Illini at center, anchoring a line that set the school record for total offense in 2002. A 2004 honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, Preston gave up only one sack in two seasons of play and had no penalties during his senior year. Last year, he totaled 704 offensive plays, helping the rushing game over 200 yards on three occasions.

Sinclair (St. Louis, Mo./SLUH) led the Illinois team in tackles the last two seasons and finished his three-year starting career with 278 stops. He played in 45 games, while recording 18 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback sacks. He earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors in 2003, while leading the conference in tackles during league play. His best game came against the Wisconsin Badgers in 2003 when he tallied 21 tackles.

"I am excited about heading out to Baltimore," Sinclair said. "It looks like the best place for me. Before the draft my agent looked at the teams that needed help at linebacker and the Ravens were at the top of his list. I think I fit into their 4-3 system and it helps that I played both inside and outside."

ADDITIONAL PRESTON QUOTES
On his father's (Ray Preston who played nine-years in the NFL with San Diego) reaction to his selection in the draft
"I watched the draft in San Diego. It was pretty mellow, just my mom and dad. It was exciting to hear from Buffalo and look for my name on the TV. My father was excited. When he was drafted, he went later than he wanted, so he was feeling for me as I was sweating it out."

On his athletic ability
"I don't think there is any question from the people who know me that I am an athlete. I was a surfer for eight years, and I had a chance to pursue baseball as a career. In my mind, that should be the least of people's worries."