Hello There, Guest! (LoginRegister)

      
Post Reply 
UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
Author Message
Bookmark and Share
ctipton Offline
Jersey Retired
Jersey Retired

Posts: 32,482
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 140
I Root For: UC and the Reds
Location: Cincinnati West Side

DonatorsDonators
Post: #1
UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com 11:20 p.m. EDT July 10, 2014

[Image: 1399928792000-tubsScrim2013.jpg]
UC coach Tommy Tuberville wishes he had a clearer picture of the AAC's two-division split.(Photo: Enquirer file)

The Tommy Tuberville effect has taken hold in University of Cincinnati football recruiting, with the Bearcats' 2015 class tracking among the highest-rated in program history.

Tuberville, with nearly 30 years of major college coaching on his resume, has fashioned an incoming class rated No. 38 nationally by both 247Sports.com and Rivals.com and No. 48 by Scout.com.

"You're looking at a good class, but then you want to develop those guys and make them better from (ages) 18 to 22," said Steve Wiltfong, director of recruiting for 247Sports. "Tuberville has that record of being able to develop guys, and that's so important."

Fans of the Alabamas, Notre Dames and Ohio States would be mortified by a No. 38 rating, but for UC this is fairly significant. Most recruiting services have online archives dating back to the early 2000s, and UC generally has fallen outside the respective Top 50 ratings.

It was not much different before, as UC rarely made a national ripple until recently: Two BCS bowl games, 66-25 record since 2007.

The highest recruiting rating UC has drawn recently was No. 35 by Scout.com in 2012. Usually it is more like February of 2014, when Tuberville's second UC recruiting class was rated No. 60 by Scout, No. 65 by ESPN and No. 69 by both Rivals and 247Sports.

Quarterback Ross Trail of Wynne, Arkansas, is the early plum among 17 oral commitments for UC. Trail is rated a four-star recruit by both ESPN and 247Sports and a three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com. Locally, UC has commitments from TE Doug Bates (Moeller High) and WR Braxton Neal (Lakota West).

Other commitments include FB Taylor Boose (Clifton, Va.); WR James Gardner (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.); DE Griffin Riggs (Auburn, Ala.); CB Joshua Norwood (Valdosta, Ga.); DE Caleb Ashworth (Dry Fork, Va.); LB Bryce Jenkinson (Greenville, Ohio); DE Marquise Copeland (Bedford, Ohio); DE Garret Jansen (Pella, Iowa); CB Jhavonte Dean (Homestead, Fla.); LB Quintin Hampton (Moultrie, Ga.); CB Antonio Howard (Miami, Fla.); DT Norman Oglesby (Indianapolis); WR/ATH Daniel Cobb (Fort Myers, Fla.); and S Malik Clements (Danville, Va.).

Tuberville formerly was head coach at Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas Tech, and most of his assistants have worked in high-major programs.

"Look at the guys on that staff, and you see guys used to recruiting at the top of college football," Wiltfong said. "That's the culture that guys like Tuberville, (Eddie) Gran, (Darin) Hinshaw and (Robert) Prunty are bringing to UC."

Gran (offensive coordinator), Hinshaw (quarterbacks/passing game) and Prunty (associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach) all have helped recruit multiple targets to UC under Tuberville, as have Bearcats assistants Blake Rolan (wide receivers), Steve Clinkscale (defensive backs) and Darren Hiller (offensive line).

Staff newcomers Hank Hughes (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers) and Jeff Koonz (safeties) were hired partially because Tuberville wanted to upgrade recruiting. Marc Nudelberg (tight ends/special teams) was promoted from graduate assistant and also has helped land some 2015 recruits.

Josh Helmholdt, Midwest analyst for Rivals.com, said UC has a good mixture of recruits from Ohio and the Southeast.

"Cincinnati has 17 commits in the 2015 class right now, which is significantly more than most of the teams ranked around them," Helmholdt said. "I do expect their ranking to stay stagnant or decline some in the coming months."

Major programs such as Missouri, Oklahoma and Michigan State trail UC in the ratings but figure to gain ground by the February signing day.

The Bearcats typically still sign a mix of three-star and two-star recruits, but there are more threes than usual this time.

"The key going forward will be keeping those prospects currently committed on board," Helmholdt said.
Quote:UC national recruiting rankings

2015 class (as of July 10)

Rivals.com: 38th

247Sports.com: 38th

Scout.com: 48th

ESPN.com: Not in Top 25 (only 25 teams listed)

2014 class (final ratings)

Scout.com: 60th

ESPN.com: 65th

Rivals.com: 69th

247Sports.com: 69th

UC's best final ratings (between 2002-2013):

Scout.com: 35th (2012)

247Sports.com: 47th (2011)

Rivals.com: 49th (2011)

ESPN.com: 63rd (2013)

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/c.../12509969/
 
07-11-2014 03:05 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Dannyboy Offline
All American
*

Posts: 2,559
Joined: Aug 2013
Reputation: 63
I Root For: Bearcats
Location:
Post: #2
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
Even if we drop to 45 that's still a nice job. Right now I think we're the highest non P5 school.
 
07-11-2014 08:37 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
UCGrad1992 Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 31,634
Joined: Sep 2013
Reputation: 2253
I Root For: Bearcats U
Location: North Carolina
Post: #3
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 08:37 AM)Dannyboy Wrote:  Even if we drop to 45 that's still a nice job. Right now I think we're the highest non P5 school.

Yes. Another step in building the program up. Next year we should do even better.
 
07-11-2014 09:07 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
indycat Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,375
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation: 23
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location:
Post: #4
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
Until a P5 invitation comes, UC is leveraging a high profile coach, the new Nippert and a winning reputation on the field and in the classroom to create an appealing niche atop the G5. That combination appears to be yielding the best recruiting ever and the program has the elements to maintain a higher profile than many P5 also rans that perenially miss bowls and play in relative obscurity even in their brand name conferences.

Despite realignment setbacks, there is much to be excited about as Bearcat fans.
 
07-11-2014 10:04 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
rosewater Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 5,666
Joined: Feb 2008
Reputation: 158
I Root For: cincy
Location:
Post: #5
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 10:04 AM)indycat Wrote:  Until a P5 invitation comes, UC is leveraging a high profile coach, the new Nippert and a winning reputation on the field and in the classroom to create an appealing niche atop the G5. That combination appears to be yielding the best recruiting ever and the program has the elements to maintain a higher profile than many P5 also rans that perenially miss bowls and play in relative obscurity even in their brand name conferences.

Despite realignment setbacks, there is much to be excited about as Bearcat fans.

I agree. This is our place in college football. We have never had elite talent. Even in 09, when we quite possibly fielded our best team in history, to me it was obvious in the talent disparity between Florida and UC. Florida was faster and stronger. I remember Florida receivers running away from our fastest defensive backs. I remember our sure fire tacklers getting drug the extra yard and a half. I remember Tebow having forever to do that wind up thing and complete passes. The good news is in any given year, there are only three to five teams with this much of a talent difference. Consequently the non uber talented can compete with strategy and discipline. I know we are in a tough spot with little room for error, but the road is not impossible. Me, Football season cannot get here soon enough.
 
(This post was last modified: 07-11-2014 10:46 AM by rosewater.)
07-11-2014 10:45 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
ThinkBigPine Offline
Dilly Dilly
*

Posts: 2,165
Joined: Mar 2011
Reputation: 16
I Root For: The Bearcats
Location:
Post: #6
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
I could actually see this class climbing a little bit. We often see our recruits rankings increase throughout and after their senior season.
 
07-11-2014 01:22 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Mark Wolfram Offline
2nd String
*

Posts: 397
Joined: Aug 2012
Reputation: 4
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location: Whitewater TWP.
Post: #7
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
I think this is one of those make or break years in football. We need to beat everyone we can and make it to the Access Bowl. I think if we do that with this staff that will help for the next few years and be able to keep us on top of the G5 and hopefully show the P5 that we can compete with the best.
 
07-11-2014 01:44 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
bearcatseminole Offline
2nd String
*

Posts: 332
Joined: May 2013
Reputation: 11
I Root For: UC & N. Dakota
Location: College Station, TX
Post: #8
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 01:44 PM)Mark Wolfram Wrote:  I think this is one of those make or break years in football. We need to beat everyone we can and make it to the Access Bowl. I think if we do that with this staff that will help for the next few years and be able to keep us on top of the G5 and hopefully show the P5 that we can compete with the best.

I think every year is a "make-or-break" year for us - specifically with winning fans in the city of Cincinnati and continuing to build our brand. I do not think Cincinnati Football could keep climbing the power ladder if we were to string together a bunch of seasons back-to-back like Purdue or Colorado.
 
07-11-2014 02:40 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
cinbinsportsfan Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 6,096
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation: 76
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location: Chi-Town
Post: #9
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
In my opinion I would call every 3rd year of any given coaching staff the "make or break" year. That's when the program gets rolling and players that the staff signed in their first class start to become upperclassmen. The problem at Cincinnati is that after that 3rd year the coaching staff leaves and all momentum they generated previously is basically lost. I'd be most curious to see if Tuberville and his staff stay at UC after that third season.
 
07-11-2014 02:51 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
indycat Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,375
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation: 23
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location:
Post: #10
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 02:51 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  In my opinion I would call every 3rd year of any given coaching staff the "make or break" year. That's when the program gets rolling and players that the staff signed in their first class start to become upperclassmen. The problem at Cincinnati is that after that 3rd year the coaching staff leaves and all momentum they generated previously is basically lost. I'd be most curious to see if Tuberville and his staff stay at UC after that third season.

Certainly valid concerns about recent turnover with head coaches. This might be a case where Tuberville is content to stay longer but great coordinators or assistants come and go. But I suppose that's true of many if not most programs that have some success.

Let's hope we can look back ten years from now and say Tuberville was the coach who stayed, built recruiting, fan support and winning ways and paved the pathway into the P5. He'd have our votes for the UC Hall of Fame in that case and probably be hands down the most beloved football coach in UC history.
 
07-11-2014 03:01 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Mark Wolfram Offline
2nd String
*

Posts: 397
Joined: Aug 2012
Reputation: 4
I Root For: Cincinnati
Location: Whitewater TWP.
Post: #11
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
I think this year is just a bit different because it is the first year of the Playoff and the Access bowl so we need to have one of our better years so we stay on top of most of the other G5 schools. I agree that we can not have to many down years as it will hurt us more than most schools. And yes I hope Tubs stays more than 3 years and we see what he can do.
 
07-11-2014 03:27 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Bearhawkeye Offline
The King of Breakfast
*

Posts: 13,700
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 582
I Root For: Zinzinnati
Location:
Post: #12
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 03:01 PM)indycat Wrote:  
(07-11-2014 02:51 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  In my opinion I would call every 3rd year of any given coaching staff the "make or break" year. That's when the program gets rolling and players that the staff signed in their first class start to become upperclassmen. The problem at Cincinnati is that after that 3rd year the coaching staff leaves and all momentum they generated previously is basically lost. I'd be most curious to see if Tuberville and his staff stay at UC after that third season.

Certainly valid concerns about recent turnover with head coaches. This might be a case where Tuberville is content to stay longer but great coordinators or assistants come and go. But I suppose that's true of many if not most programs that have some success.

Let's hope we can look back ten years from now and say Tuberville was the coach who stayed, built recruiting, fan support and winning ways and paved the pathway into the P5. He'd have our votes for the UC Hall of Fame in that case and probably be hands down the most beloved football coach in UC history.

Look around. College coaches leave EVERYWHERE (and it's even more frequent among assistants everywhere). Win big at the highest level and the NFL will come calling. Win anywhere else and a moneybags program will come calling. Get caught in the cookie jar or lose and you are out. And don't over-do it because burnout and health issues are a serious threat in that profession.

So there are no guarantees and anything can happen. But at this stage of his career, Tuberville at UC is quite possibly the most stable head coach that exists at ANY FBS school. There are things to be concerned about wrt to UC's future, but imo the issue of head coaching stability (relative to every other school) should be just about at the bottom for every UC fan (not to mention any and all potential recruits).
 
(This post was last modified: 07-11-2014 03:43 PM by Bearhawkeye.)
07-11-2014 03:37 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
SuperFlyBCat Offline
Banned

Posts: 49,583
Joined: Mar 2005
I Root For: America and UC
Location: Cincinnati
Post: #13
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 01:44 PM)Mark Wolfram Wrote:  I think this is one of those make or break years in football. We need to beat everyone we can and make it to the Access Bowl. I think if we do that with this staff that will help for the next few years and be able to keep us on top of the G5 and hopefully show the P5 that we can compete with the best.

If we go 3-1 OOC, we got a shot at the access bowl, a pretty good shot.
Also, I think Houston visits Nippert (Dec 6th) at 9-2, 10-1 or 11-0 this season.
Their schedule sets up really well for them, brand new stadium, 7 home games, 8 games in the state of Texas. They have most of the team back from last year.
 
07-11-2014 03:58 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
SuperFlyBCat Offline
Banned

Posts: 49,583
Joined: Mar 2005
I Root For: America and UC
Location: Cincinnati
Post: #14
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
Houston Schedule,

Date Game Location Time / Result
08/29/14 vs. UTSA TV Houston, Texas 8:00 p.m. CT
09/06/14 vs. Grambling St. TV Houston, Texas 7:00 p.m. CT
09/11/14 at BYU TV Provo, Utah 8:00 p.m. CT
09/20/14 vs. UNLV TV Houston, Texas TBA
10/02/14 vs. UCF * TV Houston, Texas 6:00 p.m. CT
10/11/14 at Memphis * TV Memphis, Tenn. TBA
10/17/14 vs. Temple * TV Houston, Texas 8:00 p.m. CT
11/01/14 at USF * TV Tampa, Fla. TBA
11/08/14 vs. Tulane * TV Houston, Texas TBA
11/22/14 vs. Tulsa * TV Houston, Texas TBA
11/28/14 at SMU * TV Dallas, Texas TBA
12/06/14 at Cincinnati * TV Cincinnati, Ohio TBA
 
07-11-2014 05:20 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Cat-Man Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 5,498
Joined: Sep 2004
Reputation: 116
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #15
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
Quote:Staff newcomers Hank Hughes (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers) and Jeff Koonz (safeties) were hired partially because Tuberville wanted to upgrade recruiting.

Just as a side note, TT took some pretty good ribbing from folks on this board (myself included) for hiring Hughes. TT even said at the time, that it was to upgrade recruiting. Looks like, so far, he knew what he was doing. Now, let's hope Hughes puts out a better defense than he did at UConn, and I'd say the move turned out pretty okay.
 
07-11-2014 05:32 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Mopper Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 2,226
Joined: Jun 2007
Reputation: 56
I Root For: UC
Location: University & Euclid
Post: #16
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 05:32 PM)Cat-Man Wrote:  
Quote:Staff newcomers Hank Hughes (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers) and Jeff Koonz (safeties) were hired partially because Tuberville wanted to upgrade recruiting.

Just as a side note, TT took some pretty good ribbing from folks on this board (myself included) for hiring Hughes. TT even said at the time, that it was to upgrade recruiting. Looks like, so far, he knew what he was doing. Now, let's hope Hughes puts out a better defense than he did at UConn, and I'd say the move turned out pretty okay.

Hughes has so much more to work with here talent wise then he did last year at UConn. He had Smallwood last year, but it was pretty bleak everywhere else
 
07-11-2014 05:46 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


BearcatJerry Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 12,072
Joined: Mar 2013
Reputation: 504
I Root For: UC Bearcats
Location:
Post: #17
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
It's a long, long way to go until February.

Yes, the class looks good and there are reasons to be optimistic, but a whole lot of things can happen between now and LOI signing day.
 
07-11-2014 06:42 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Racinejake Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 5,350
Joined: Jan 2009
Reputation: 62
I Root For: UC
Location:
Post: #18
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 05:32 PM)Cat-Man Wrote:  
Quote:Staff newcomers Hank Hughes (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers) and Jeff Koonz (safeties) were hired partially because Tuberville wanted to upgrade recruiting.

Just as a side note, TT took some pretty good ribbing from folks on this board (myself included) for hiring Hughes. TT even said at the time, that it was to upgrade recruiting. Looks like, so far, he knew what he was doing. Now, let's hope Hughes puts out a better defense than he did at UConn, and I'd say the move turned out pretty okay.

Which of our commits did Hughes recruit?
 
07-11-2014 07:23 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Bearcatbdub Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 7,505
Joined: May 2006
Reputation: 150
I Root For: The 'Cats! duh!
Location: Union, KY
Post: #19
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 06:42 PM)BearcatJerry Wrote:  It's a long, long way to go until February.

Yes, the class looks good and there are reasons to be optimistic, but a whole lot of things can happen between now and LOI signing day.

I think you need an anti-depressant. So far indicators are good- conference bedamned. Relax.
 
07-14-2014 08:04 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Ring of Black Offline
Official Person to Blame
*

Posts: 28,421
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 722
I Root For: Cincy Bearcats
Location: Wichita, KS
Post: #20
RE: UC's 2015 class shaping up to be among highest-rated
(07-11-2014 03:37 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  
(07-11-2014 03:01 PM)indycat Wrote:  
(07-11-2014 02:51 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  In my opinion I would call every 3rd year of any given coaching staff the "make or break" year. That's when the program gets rolling and players that the staff signed in their first class start to become upperclassmen. The problem at Cincinnati is that after that 3rd year the coaching staff leaves and all momentum they generated previously is basically lost. I'd be most curious to see if Tuberville and his staff stay at UC after that third season.

Certainly valid concerns about recent turnover with head coaches. This might be a case where Tuberville is content to stay longer but great coordinators or assistants come and go. But I suppose that's true of many if not most programs that have some success.

Let's hope we can look back ten years from now and say Tuberville was the coach who stayed, built recruiting, fan support and winning ways and paved the pathway into the P5. He'd have our votes for the UC Hall of Fame in that case and probably be hands down the most beloved football coach in UC history.

Look around. College coaches leave EVERYWHERE (and it's even more frequent among assistants everywhere). Win big at the highest level and the NFL will come calling. Win anywhere else and a moneybags program will come calling. Get caught in the cookie jar or lose and you are out. And don't over-do it because burnout and health issues are a serious threat in that profession.

So there are no guarantees and anything can happen. But at this stage of his career, Tuberville at UC is quite possibly the most stable head coach that exists at ANY FBS school. There are things to be concerned about wrt to UC's future, but imo the issue of head coaching stability (relative to every other school) should be just about at the bottom for every UC fan (not to mention any and all potential recruits).

I agree. I'm not making the mistake of taking CTT for granted, but there is also his wife's family situation that will likely keep him here.

As far as this year, I am very glad that the staff appears to know what to do with the offensive talent this time out. That alone, will automatically make this team better than last year.
 
(This post was last modified: 07-14-2014 08:25 AM by Ring of Black.)
07-14-2014 08:25 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Post Reply 




User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


Copyright © 2002-2024 Collegiate Sports Nation Bulletin Board System (CSNbbs), All Rights Reserved.
CSNbbs is an independent fan site and is in no way affiliated to the NCAA or any of the schools and conferences it represents.
This site monetizes links. FTC Disclosure.
We allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our web site. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioral advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit http://www.networkadvertising.org.
Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group.