Signs say Kiel is UC's guy, but Tuberville won't say yet
Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com 8:39 p.m. EDT August 5, 2014


Gunner Kiel.(Photo: Enquirer file)

All signs point to Gunner Kiel starting at quarterback for the University of Cincinnati season football opener Sept. 12 against Toledo, but coach Tommy Tuberville is not ready to make that declaration.

"Gunner is the guy at this point," Tuberville said. "But remember, last year we sat here and Brendon Kay was going to be the quarterback, and we get in there and Munchie (Legaux) beats him out."

Sophomore Kiel, who sat out last year after transferring from Notre Dame, emerged No. 1 on the depth chart after 2014 spring practice. Junior college transfer Jarred Evans, a junior, is No. 2.

Fifth-year senior Legaux is the wild card, returning from a severe knee injury that ended his 2013 season after two games. Legaux's rehab has him at about 85 percent physically, but he must play his way back into the mix.

UC reports Sunday (Aug. 10) for its annual stay at the Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind., where practice begins Monday. The opener is Friday, Sept. 12 (7 p.m.) against Toledo at Paul Brown Stadium.

Tuberville said he hopes to name his starting quarterback about two weeks into camp. Tuberville also hoped for that last year, but Kay developed a sore shoulder and Legaux wound up starting the season opener.

Kay, who took over again when Legaux was lost for the season, has moved on and signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Former backup Bennie Coney transferred to Eastern Kentucky, leaving the rehabbing Legaux as the only UC scholarship quarterback to have thrown a major college pass.

Kiel was rated the nation's No. 1 prep quarterback while at Columbus East, Ind., and the hype is something he has learned to live with.

"I don't really care, honestly," Kiel said, during a recent appearance at Tuberville's charity golf outing. "I kind of block that all out now. I really just want to prove myself on the field, that I can play."

The 6-foot-4, 208-pound Kiel was a commanding presence during spring ball. He had 300 yards passing -- in just one half -- during the spring game. During spring practices, Kiel frequently shouted encouragement and praised his linemen profusely after successful drives.

"I'm still trying to do little things to improve my game, and me as a player and a person," Kiel said. "I'm definitely trying to earn these guys' respect and trying to be the team leader, the guy that they want under center."

Kiel will be pushed by Evans, a 6-2, 190-pound transfer from Santa Barbara City College (Calif.). Evans is from Queens, N.Y., and has that Big Apple confidence about him.

"I want to be No. 1," Evans said. "I always want to be on top. The quarterback competition is going to be good, and the only thing I can do is put hard work and dedication into it. I'm looking forward to camp, because that's when you really get to show out."

Also looming is Legaux, a 6-5, 200-pound New Orleans native and most experienced Bearcats quarterback.

Legaux has a 9-5 career record in games started as UC quarterback. When healthy he was a threat as both passer and runner, and preseason camp will be the first real test for his surgically repaired left knee.

"A lot of people say that I won't be the same Munchie, but running does not define the quarterback position," Legaux said. "My goal is to be out there with the guys Sept. 12, if it's me, Gunner Kiel or Jarred Evans at quarterback. If it's me, I'll try to give it my best and try not to think about my knee."

UC quarterbacks

Gunner Kiel 6-4 208 So. (Columbus, Ind., East/Notre Dame)

Jarred Evans 6-2 190 Jr. (Queens, NY, West High/Santa Barbara CC)

Munchie Legaux 6-5 200 Sr. (New Orleans, La., Edna Karr)

Hayden Moore 6-3 193 Fr. (Clay, Ala., Clay-Chalkville)

*Michael Colosimo 6-3 216 Jr. (Fort Mitchell, Ky., Beechwood)

*Luke Wright 6-4 210 Fr. (Atlanta, Ga., Holy Innocents' Episcopal)

*Walk-on

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/c...autologin=

As much as I am rooting for Munchie's full recovery,I really hope he doesnt take any meaningful snaps at QB this year!!!

Not to beat a dead horse here, but seriously how in the hell did Munchie beat out Kay last year? I used to think he started over Kay because Butch Jones was a stubborn *******, but is Munchie a superhero in practice or something? Baffles me to this day... Munchie has never been anywhere near a starting caliber QB.

^^ Injuries.

(08-06-2014 09:38 AM)pat5775 Wrote:  Not to beat a dead horse here, but seriously how in the hell did Munchie beat out Kay last year? I used to think he started over Kay because Butch Jones was a stubborn *******, but is Munchie a superhero in practice or something? Baffles me to this day... Munchie has never been anywhere near a starting caliber QB.

Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

(08-06-2014 09:48 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

Agreed....as long as Gunner is healthy coming out of camp. If he develops any physical issues, then Evans or Munchie may get the nod.

(08-06-2014 12:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 09:48 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

Agreed....as long as Gunner is healthy coming out of camp. If he develops any physical issues, then Evans or Munchie may get the nod.

I realize Gunner is the clear-cut starter now but still... The fact that even this coaching staff thought Munchie was the answer still concerns/bothers me.

Butch had an excuse (albeit a stupid one): Munchie was one of "his guys". Even though it was glaringly obvious Munchie couldn't handle it, Butch stuck by him. Tuberville and Co. had an unbiased look at the roster and still thought Munchie was the guy (as far as I can remember Kay's shoulder injury wasn't that bad... Munchie apparently won the competition fair and square). If he hadn't been injured, Munchie very well may have been starting a lot longer than any of us could have stomached.

That's why I wonder if Munchie is an all-star practice QB, has a firmer grip on the offense, or has some serious dirt on the coaches or something. With Munchie's limitations, it's hard to believe multiple coaching staffs thought he could be a long-term starter.

(08-06-2014 01:49 PM)pat5775 Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 12:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 09:48 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

Agreed....as long as Gunner is healthy coming out of camp. If he develops any physical issues, then Evans or Munchie may get the nod.

I realize Gunner is the clear-cut starter now but still... The fact that even this coaching staff thought Munchie was the answer still concerns/bothers me.

Butch had an excuse (albeit a stupid one): Munchie was one of "his guys". Even though it was glaringly obvious Munchie couldn't handle it, Butch stuck by him. Tuberville and Co. had an unbiased look at the roster and still thought Munchie was the guy (as far as I can remember Kay's shoulder injury wasn't that bad... Munchie apparently won the competition fair and square). If he hadn't been injured, Munchie very well may have been starting a lot longer than any of us could have stomached.

That's why I wonder if Munchie is an all-star practice QB, has a firmer grip on the offense, or has some serious dirt on the coaches or something. With Munchie's limitations, it's hard to believe multiple coaching staffs thought he could be a long-term starter.

It is time to move on pat. Just let it go.

How good is Evans? I have a hard time believing Munchie can take the spot, given that his one asset(his speed) is likely gone.

(08-06-2014 02:00 PM)DMT Wrote:  How good is Evans? I have a hard time believing Munchie can take the spot, given that his one asset(his speed) is likely gone.

In simplest terms, Evans is basically Munchie pre-injury- Good-not-great arm, sometimes inaccurate, incredible with his legs. He seems like a dual threat replacement for Jordan Luallen to me.

(08-06-2014 02:04 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 02:00 PM)DMT Wrote:  How good is Evans? I have a hard time believing Munchie can take the spot, given that his one asset(his speed) is likely gone.

In simplest terms, Evans is basically Munchie pre-injury- Good-not-great arm, sometimes inaccurate, incredible with his legs. He seems like a dual threat replacement for Jordan Luallen to me.

Hope Kiel lasts through the season then. Don't know if I can stomach Munchie Ball again lol

(08-06-2014 02:04 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 02:00 PM)DMT Wrote:  How good is Evans? I have a hard time believing Munchie can take the spot, given that his one asset(his speed) is likely gone.

In simplest terms, Evans is basically Munchie pre-injury- Good-not-great arm, sometimes inaccurate, incredible with his legs. He seems like a dual threat replacement for Jordan Luallen to me.

Evans was very unimpressive in the spring game, but that was the spring game. I really don't know enough about him at this point to make a fair judgment.

(08-06-2014 02:20 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 02:04 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 02:00 PM)DMT Wrote:  How good is Evans? I have a hard time believing Munchie can take the spot, given that his one asset(his speed) is likely gone.

In simplest terms, Evans is basically Munchie pre-injury- Good-not-great arm, sometimes inaccurate, incredible with his legs. He seems like a dual threat replacement for Jordan Luallen to me.

Evans was very unimpressive in the spring game, but that was the spring game. I really don't know enough about him at this point to make a fair judgment.

Agreed about Evans in the Spring Game the second best QB at the game I thought was the True Fr QB.

UC's strength is far-and-away the receiving corp.

I know Tubberville is a classic pro style guy by heart but if they aren’t tossing the ball all over the field this year its gonna be a major disappointment. I think the beginning of last year, when they laid giant turds against Illinois and USF by trying to be a run oriented team, proved UC isn’t yet setup to be a true pro-style offense.

Here’s the two-deep chart UC put out.

WR-Shaq Washington (Jr.), Ralph David Abernathy IV (Sr.)

WR-Chris Moore (Jr.), Jeremy Graves (Jr.)

WR-Mekale McKay (Jr.), Alex Chisum (Jr.)

WR (when 4th WR used)- Max Morrison (Jr.), Nate Cole (So.)

And not on this list is Johnny Holton. There isn't a person on this list that can't make plays. That's 8 great to solid receivers.

Plus you’ve got the tight end to throw to as well.

If UC really wants to play to its strength, this should be a more pass happy team than any of the Brian Kelly years.

^^ Tuberville has already stated they are running the spread.

(08-06-2014 02:20 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 02:04 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 02:00 PM)DMT Wrote:  How good is Evans? I have a hard time believing Munchie can take the spot, given that his one asset(his speed) is likely gone.

In simplest terms, Evans is basically Munchie pre-injury- Good-not-great arm, sometimes inaccurate, incredible with his legs. He seems like a dual threat replacement for Jordan Luallen to me.

Evans was very unimpressive in the spring game, but that was the spring game. I really don't know enough about him at this point to make a fair judgment.

Yea I heard his passes were wobbly and/or inaccurate and he was having difficulties reading the defense, all things not uncommon for a player on the team for just a couple of months. Hopefully Evans has improved this summer because it sounds like he's fast as lightning on the ground.

(08-06-2014 09:38 AM)pat5775 Wrote:  Not to beat a dead horse here, but seriously how in the hell did Munchie beat out Kay last year? I used to think he started over Kay because Butch Jones was a stubborn *******, but is Munchie a superhero in practice or something? Baffles me to this day... Munchie has never been anywhere near a starting caliber QB.

Kay had a bad shoulder last year at the beginning of the regular season.

Munchie's only snap next year will be a kneel down towards the end of the season for him to receive a standing ovation from the crowd for his career at UC.

(08-06-2014 01:51 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 01:49 PM)pat5775 Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 12:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 09:48 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

Agreed....as long as Gunner is healthy coming out of camp. If he develops any physical issues, then Evans or Munchie may get the nod.

I realize Gunner is the clear-cut starter now but still... The fact that even this coaching staff thought Munchie was the answer still concerns/bothers me.

Butch had an excuse (albeit a stupid one): Munchie was one of "his guys". Even though it was glaringly obvious Munchie couldn't handle it, Butch stuck by him. Tuberville and Co. had an unbiased look at the roster and still thought Munchie was the guy (as far as I can remember Kay's shoulder injury wasn't that bad... Munchie apparently won the competition fair and square). If he hadn't been injured, Munchie very well may have been starting a lot longer than any of us could have stomached.

That's why I wonder if Munchie is an all-star practice QB, has a firmer grip on the offense, or has some serious dirt on the coaches or something. With Munchie's limitations, it's hard to believe multiple coaching staffs thought he could be a long-term starter.

It is time to move on pat. Just let it go.

God help me I'm trying, but it just makes no sense. The Munchie era will always have me asking questions, because I've never seen any justifiable answers.

Oh well, on to the Kiel era!

(08-06-2014 01:49 PM)pat5775 Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 12:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 09:48 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

Agreed....as long as Gunner is healthy coming out of camp. If he develops any physical issues, then Evans or Munchie may get the nod.

I realize Gunner is the clear-cut starter now but still... The fact that even this coaching staff thought Munchie was the answer still concerns/bothers me.

Butch had an excuse (albeit a stupid one): Munchie was one of "his guys". Even though it was glaringly obvious Munchie couldn't handle it, Butch stuck by him. Tuberville and Co. had an unbiased look at the roster and still thought Munchie was the guy (as far as I can remember Kay's shoulder injury wasn't that bad... Munchie apparently won the competition fair and square). If he hadn't been injured, Munchie very well may have been starting a lot longer than any of us could have stomached.

That's why I wonder if Munchie is an all-star practice QB, has a firmer grip on the offense, or has some serious dirt on the coaches or something. With Munchie's limitations, it's hard to believe multiple coaching staffs thought he could be a long-term starter.

LOL really man?!

(08-06-2014 09:20 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 01:49 PM)pat5775 Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 12:42 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 09:48 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Last year was last year. Gunner will be the starting QB THIS year. Book it!

Agreed....as long as Gunner is healthy coming out of camp. If he develops any physical issues, then Evans or Munchie may get the nod.

I realize Gunner is the clear-cut starter now but still... The fact that even this coaching staff thought Munchie was the answer still concerns/bothers me.

Butch had an excuse (albeit a stupid one): Munchie was one of "his guys". Even though it was glaringly obvious Munchie couldn't handle it, Butch stuck by him. Tuberville and Co. had an unbiased look at the roster and still thought Munchie was the guy (as far as I can remember Kay's shoulder injury wasn't that bad... Munchie apparently won the competition fair and square). If he hadn't been injured, Munchie very well may have been starting a lot longer than any of us could have stomached.

That's why I wonder if Munchie is an all-star practice QB, has a firmer grip on the offense, or has some serious dirt on the coaches or something. With Munchie's limitations, it's hard to believe multiple coaching staffs thought he could be a long-term starter.

LOL really man?!

Someone had to caddy...