CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bengals signed fourth-round pick Eric Ghiaciuc, a center from Central Michigan, to a four-year contract on Saturday.

Ghiaciuc, 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds, started the final 35 games of his Central Michigan career and blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his three seasons as a starter. He is a former Michigan state wrestling champion.

Ghiaciuc is the fifth of the Bengals’ seven draft choices to sign for 2005. Previously signed were wide receiver Chris Henry of West Virginia, third round; offensive tackle Adam Kieft of Central Michigan, fifth round; wide receiver Tab Perry of UCLA, sixth round; and defensive end Jonathan Fanene of Utah, seventh round.

The Bengals also signed free agent offensive lineman Reese Hicks to a two-year contract on Saturday. He was released by the Denver Broncos on July 25.