05-13-2009, 11:09 PM
Cincinnati spring wrap
May 12, 2009 9:35 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
![[Image: 2132.gif]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/ncaa/lrg/trans/2132.gif)
Cincinnati Bearcats
2008 overall record: 11-3
2008 conference record: 6-1
Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 1, kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Tony Pike, WR Mardy Gilyard, OT Jeff Linkenbach, RB Jacob Ramsey, RB John Goebel, S Aaron Webster, K Jake Rogers, WR D.J. Woods
Key losses
DE Connor Barwin, CB Mike Mickens, CB DeAngelo Smith, S Brandon Underwood, DT Terrell Byrd, WR Dominick Goodman, LB Corey Smith, P Kevin Huber, OT Trevor Canfield, LB Ryan Manalac, DT Adam Hoppel, LB Torry Cornett
2008 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Jacob Ramsey* (664 yards)
Passing: Tony Pike* (2,407 yards)
Receiving: Mardy Gilyard* (1,276 yards)
Tackles: Ryan Manalac (82)
Sacks: Connor Barwin (11)
Interceptions: Mike Mickens/Brandon Underwood (4)
Spring answers
Diaco does it: New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco was hired shortly before spring practice began and was tasked with changing the Bearcats to a 3-4 base -- while replacing 10 starters. It seemed like a yeoman's task, but head coach Brian Kelly was pleased with how Diaco got the defense to respond throughout the spring. Moving receiver Marcus Barnett to cornerback solidified the secondary, and Derek Wolfe emerged as a force at nose tackle. The defense could be better than a lot of people think.
More backfield options: Cincinnati had an explosive offense despite fielding a mostly mediocre running game. Sophomore Isaiah Pead showed signs of being ready for a breakout campaign, and spritely speedster Darrin Williams should also contribute to a backfield that already includes veterans Jacob Ramsey and John Goebel. That could help the Bearcats improve a troublesome short-yardage game.
Pike's peak: There weren't a lot of questions about Tony Pike heading into the spring. Still, Pike's steady play was a welcome sight for Kelly, who didn't have a returning starting quarterback in his first two years at Cincinnati. Pike can still get better, but he's pretty good as is right now.
Fall questions
More playmakers on defense: Though Kelly was encouraged this spring, the simple fact remains that the Bearcats lost some big-time playmakers in guys like Connor Barwin, Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith. They will need some new stars to emerge, perhaps someone like Curtis Young. And depth at middle linebacker and safety remains a concern.
Punting: All-American Kevin Huber was an invaluable weapon on fourth down. No one in the spring showed the ability to replicate the NFL draft pick's booming punts. You might see Cincinnati going for it more on fourth down in 2009.
Vidal so-soon? One question that might be answered before the summer is whether USC transfer Vidal Hazelton will be cleared to play this season. If so, he gives Pike another terrific weapon in the passing game. If not, D.J. Woods or junior college transfer Jamar Howard will have to increase their production alongside Mardy Gilyard.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast?tag=b...p%20051209
May 12, 2009 9:35 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
Cincinnati Bearcats
2008 overall record: 11-3
2008 conference record: 6-1
Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 1, kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Tony Pike, WR Mardy Gilyard, OT Jeff Linkenbach, RB Jacob Ramsey, RB John Goebel, S Aaron Webster, K Jake Rogers, WR D.J. Woods
Key losses
DE Connor Barwin, CB Mike Mickens, CB DeAngelo Smith, S Brandon Underwood, DT Terrell Byrd, WR Dominick Goodman, LB Corey Smith, P Kevin Huber, OT Trevor Canfield, LB Ryan Manalac, DT Adam Hoppel, LB Torry Cornett
2008 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Jacob Ramsey* (664 yards)
Passing: Tony Pike* (2,407 yards)
Receiving: Mardy Gilyard* (1,276 yards)
Tackles: Ryan Manalac (82)
Sacks: Connor Barwin (11)
Interceptions: Mike Mickens/Brandon Underwood (4)
Spring answers
Quote:2009 Schedule
Sept. 7 at Rutgers
Sept. 12 Southeast Missouri State
Sept. 19 at Oregon State
Sept. 26 Fresno State
Oct. 3 at Miami (Ohio)
Oct. 10 BYE
Oct. 15 at South Florida
Oct. 24 Louisville
Oct. 31 at Syracuse
Nov. 7 Connecticut
Nov. 13 West Virginia
Nov. 20 BYE
Nov. 27 Illinois
Dec. 5 at Pittsburgh
Diaco does it: New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco was hired shortly before spring practice began and was tasked with changing the Bearcats to a 3-4 base -- while replacing 10 starters. It seemed like a yeoman's task, but head coach Brian Kelly was pleased with how Diaco got the defense to respond throughout the spring. Moving receiver Marcus Barnett to cornerback solidified the secondary, and Derek Wolfe emerged as a force at nose tackle. The defense could be better than a lot of people think.
More backfield options: Cincinnati had an explosive offense despite fielding a mostly mediocre running game. Sophomore Isaiah Pead showed signs of being ready for a breakout campaign, and spritely speedster Darrin Williams should also contribute to a backfield that already includes veterans Jacob Ramsey and John Goebel. That could help the Bearcats improve a troublesome short-yardage game.
Pike's peak: There weren't a lot of questions about Tony Pike heading into the spring. Still, Pike's steady play was a welcome sight for Kelly, who didn't have a returning starting quarterback in his first two years at Cincinnati. Pike can still get better, but he's pretty good as is right now.
Fall questions
More playmakers on defense: Though Kelly was encouraged this spring, the simple fact remains that the Bearcats lost some big-time playmakers in guys like Connor Barwin, Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith. They will need some new stars to emerge, perhaps someone like Curtis Young. And depth at middle linebacker and safety remains a concern.
Punting: All-American Kevin Huber was an invaluable weapon on fourth down. No one in the spring showed the ability to replicate the NFL draft pick's booming punts. You might see Cincinnati going for it more on fourth down in 2009.
Vidal so-soon? One question that might be answered before the summer is whether USC transfer Vidal Hazelton will be cleared to play this season. If so, he gives Pike another terrific weapon in the passing game. If not, D.J. Woods or junior college transfer Jamar Howard will have to increase their production alongside Mardy Gilyard.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast?tag=b...p%20051209