Cincinnati WR Mardy Gilyard Was Arrested For Marijuana

University of Cincinnati wide receiver Mardy Gilyard is one of the most explosive players in this year’s draft class. The wide receiver and kick returner was named to the All-Big East first-team in 2008 and 2009. He was also the conference Special Teams Player of the Year in both seasons.

This season the wideout tallied 87 catches for 1,191 yards and 11 touchdowns. Gilyard added three scores on kick and punt returns.

With character being a focus of NFL scouts and team executives over the past few seasons, Gilyard made an admirable decision at this week’s Senior Bowl practices. He disclosed some information about his past and he took full responsibility for his mistakes.

“Character’s a big issue, so I tell them straight-up,” Gilyard said. “I was arrested in high school for possession of marijuana and attempt to distribute. I didn’t have no problem telling (them) that.

“Everybody goes through mistakes, everybody has their downfalls, pretty much everyone has something that they’re not proud of,” Gilyard said. “And that’s one of the things I’m not proud of. So it’s pretty good (moving forward).”

Gilyard has been inconsistent at times throughout the week. He was plagued with drops and he measured slightly smaller than anticipated. The former Bearcat is still considered a fringe first-round pick and could secure his first-round status with an impressive showing in tomorrow afternoon’s all-star game.