This isn't the first time Bradley Glatthaar and Tom Anevski have suited up in helmet and pads at Paul Brown Stadium. The former Elder Panthers used the Bengals' home as a steppingstone to the school's first football state championship in 2002.

"It was crazy back then when we played here in the playoffs," Anevski said of his senior season.

Anevski blocked on an offensive line that opened enough holes to help Glatthaar rush for 24 times for 80 yards and a touchdown in Elder's 31-3 regional semifinal win against Huber Heights Wayne.

Now the duo hopes to earn their stripes here.

Both participated in the Bengals rookie minicamp May 2-4 at Paul Brown Stadium. Glatthaar signed as a college free agent out of the University of Cincinnati after the NFL Draft, while Anevski - a guard at Boston College - was invited to tryout.

"I didn't get drafted but the Bengals called me up to tryout based on what I did at Boston College," Anevski said. "I'm pumped at the chance to go with the big boys."

"It's not new being here, but it is exciting," Glatthaar said. "I've always dreamed of being here and now it is a reality."

The 5-foot-11, 245-pound Glatthaar is slated to be a fullback for the Bengals. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Anevski hopes to add depth to the offensive line.

The immediate goal for both is to take it day by day and make the next cut.

"I'm busting my butt on every play to make sure the coaches know my name by the end of the day," Anevski said.