CSNbbs

HOARD: Vann Driving For Immediate Playing Time

CINCINNATI - Malik Vann could still be a senior at Fairfield High School. Instead, the 6'3", 280 pound defensive end graduated early in order to enroll at UC in January and take part in spring football.

"One of my best friends, Josiah Scott, did it at Michigan State," said Vann. "After I saw how much it helped him I wanted to do it too.

"I love it so far. I've been here for two months and just getting to know the plays, getting to know the guys, and getting acclimated to college life has been a huge adjustment. But slowly but surely I'm making it."

"It's not for everybody," said head coach Luke Fickell. "There's a lot of things that guys give up. They've been going to school with the same people for 10-12 years and there's Senior Prom and some of those things. That's why I say it's not for everybody, but he's got goals and dreams and really believes that this is the best opportunity – both academically and in order to play football."

"It's unbelievable," said defensive line coach Steve Stripling. "When you think that maybe he should be getting ready for his prom and instead he's out here grinding really hard. I've been very impressed with him."

Vann is a key member of a Cincinnati recruiting class that was ranked number one in the American Athletic Conference and in the Top 50 nationally. Malik was the Greater Miami Conference Defensive Player of the Year last season, earned First-Team All-State honors, and considered offers from Alabama, Michigan State, and Oklahoma among others before electing to stay home and play for the Bearcats.

"He's one of those unique kids that we're really looking for," said Fickell. "A guy who takes incredible pride in this place and his community. His grandmother graduated from UC and his mother graduated from UC, so he'll be a third generation graduate of UC. He's seen his brothers go away to college and go through the ups and the downs and he knew deep down inside what he wanted to do."

"I know they've had some disappointing seasons, but the coaching staff that's here now is trying to bring the love back for the city and hopefully reach another Sugar or Orange Bowl like we have in the past," said Vann.

The Bearcats will have three of four starters back on the defensive line in 2018 in seniors Cortez Broughton, Marquise Copeland, and Kevin Mouhon as well as others who received regular playing time in Kimoni Fitz, Curtis Brooks, Marcus Brown and Norman Oglesby. But Fickell says Vann won't be redshirting as a freshman.

"He'll play," said Fickell. "What capacity will really be determined by how well he picks things up. I'd say the toughest two positions to play at a young age are O-line and D-line. The physicality and the speed of the game is much different in those areas than it is in high school."

The Bearcats will have three of four starters back on the defensive line in 2018 in seniors Cortez Broughton, Marquise Copeland, and Kevin Mouhon as well as others who received regular playing time in Kimoni Fitz, Curtis Brooks, Marcus Brown and Norman Oglesby. But Fickell says Vann won't be redshirting as a freshman.

"He'll play," said Fickell. "What capacity will really be determined by how well he picks things up. I'd say the toughest two positions to play at a young age are O-line and D-line. The physicality and the speed of the game is much different in those areas than it is in high school."

http://gobearcats.com/news/2018/4/2/foot...-time.aspx

Good to hear. Seems to answer the redshirt question.

An article today about Vann in the on-line version of the Enquirer.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...474418002/

CORRYVILLE — Fairfield Senior High School hosts its commencement June 9 at Xavier University's Cintas Center. However, a couple behemoths that started the fall with the class of 2018 have graduated, leaving the Route 4 area for early enrollment with their college football programs.

Offensive lineman Jackson Carman went south to Clemson in January, while defensive lineman Malik Vann began getting into college shape after the first of the year with Coach Luke Fickell's Cincinnati Bearcats. By Signing Day in February, Carman and Vann had a month under their belts along with more muscle. Fairfield coach Jason Krause at the Greater Miami Conference signing festivities proudly shared a before and after picture of Vann as a Bearcat. Vann has even posted the transformation on Twitter.

The former Indian/current Bearcat has gone from just being bigger and better to adding more muscle and speed thanks to football strength coach Brady Collins.

"It was a big adjustment seeing how bigger and stronger most of the guys on the team are," Vann said of his January enrollment. "Coach Brady (Collins) is a young, fiery guy. They get the best results they can out of you."

Vann credits UC seniors Marquise Copeland, Garrett Campbell (St. Xavier) and Cortez Broughton for helping him along the way. That (literal) power trio has answered Vann's questions, told him when he was wrong and corrected him for the future.

Vann is listed at 6-4 and says he came to the Bearcats at 289 pounds. He's currently at 268 and noticeably more fit.

"I feel a lot better, a lot looser and a lot more nimble on my feet," Vann said. "Not that I didn't in high school, but since I got here I feel a lot better in my movements. Especially, strength-wise."

On Fairfield's line, Vann led the GMC in sacks with 6.5, had a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He had 31 tackles, 24 of those solo. He also was a special package fullback in goal-line situations, blocking or plowing do the end zone himself five times.

Formerly No. 7 at Fairfield, he has switched to No. 42 for the Bearcats. He did wear 42 as a high school freshman but switched to 7 for the last three seasons. His older brother Marquise, who played collegiately at Connecticut wore 42.

The Vann family now can pretty much take a van to Malik's games compared to trying to make the commute to Hartford, Connecticut for Huskies games.That played a big factor in choosing UC. He also has a head start on the college process that incoming freshmen his age will experience in a few months.

"College really isn't that bad unless you procrastinate and don't do your work," Vann said. "If you stay on top of everything you do, you'll be fine and coast on with the rest of the guys."

As for Coach Fickell, who continues to bring in local players who previously wouldn't consider staying home. The second-year coach had a rough start to last season, but the Bearcats were able to post some victories late. He continues to preach to Vann and others to "finish all four quarters" and remain strong mentally and physically.

Players like La Salle's Jarell White, who saw considerable action as the season progressed as a freshman, and Vann are core building blocks. Each has played a key part in helping recruit more local talent.

"He doesn't look like the same guy even from the first day of practice to this day," Fickell said of Vann. "He's a very mature guy so he takes coaching very well whether it's tough, it's hard, it's honest. We've seen his ability to grow from mistakes he's made. That doesn't happen always from a young guy. From practice one through practice eight you've seen a bigger jump from even the pictures you've seen him of the first three months and his body."

Vann and several Bearcats with local ties will be on display when UC wraps up their spring work April 14 with an open practice at Nippert Stadium at 11:30 a.m.

These are some of the positives of the Fickell Effect. Getting young motivated guys, who are local, to challenge for playing time early. I'm hoping to see some improvement on the field this year.

Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

(04-02-2018 03:40 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

It's a fair assumption. I made the same last year, and it turned out to be wrong. This despite having a well regarded position coach. Was Coach Washington's effect underwhelming, considering expectations, or was there a failing in the talent evaluation of the players....? Idk


This year will be informative.




mc

(04-02-2018 03:40 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

I'm not going to say you are wrong, but a lot of those guys had playing time last year and we weren't exactly lighting it up.

We were 94th in Rush Defense and 121st in sacks. Now I know those aren't 100% dependent on the DL, but returning 3 of 4 there and adding in a freshman (who I don't think will start) doesn't give me a lot of hope.

Third generation Bearcat! That is SPECIAL!

(04-02-2018 03:55 PM)djtothemoney Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:40 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

I'm not going to say you are wrong, but a lot of those guys had playing time last year and we weren't exactly lighting it up.

We were 94th in Rush Defense and 121st in sacks. Now I know those aren't 100% dependent on the DL, but returning 3 of 4 there and adding in a freshman (who I don't think will start) doesn't give me a lot of hope.

I am not sure that 94th is an accurate representation of our dl against the run last year. Take the 600 yards that Navy got due to soft corner play and the numbers go down significantly. Other than Navy, I do not remember getting gashed by anyone else. The players are good and will get much better in their second year in the scheme.

(04-02-2018 06:14 PM)rosewater Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:55 PM)djtothemoney Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:40 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

I'm not going to say you are wrong, but a lot of those guys had playing time last year and we weren't exactly lighting it up.

We were 94th in Rush Defense and 121st in sacks. Now I know those aren't 100% dependent on the DL, but returning 3 of 4 there and adding in a freshman (who I don't think will start) doesn't give me a lot of hope.

I am not sure that 94th is an accurate representation of our dl against the run last year. Take the 600 yards that Navy got due to soft corner play and the numbers go down significantly. Other than Navy, I do not remember getting gashed by anyone else. The players are good and will get much better in their second year in the scheme.

South Florida and Central Florida gashed us repeatedly.

(04-02-2018 06:54 PM)vabearcat Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 06:14 PM)rosewater Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:55 PM)djtothemoney Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:40 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

I'm not going to say you are wrong, but a lot of those guys had playing time last year and we weren't exactly lighting it up.

We were 94th in Rush Defense and 121st in sacks. Now I know those aren't 100% dependent on the DL, but returning 3 of 4 there and adding in a freshman (who I don't think will start) doesn't give me a lot of hope.

I am not sure that 94th is an accurate representation of our dl against the run last year. Take the 600 yards that Navy got due to soft corner play and the numbers go down significantly. Other than Navy, I do not remember getting gashed by anyone else. The players are good and will get much better in their second year in the scheme.

South Florida and Central Florida gashed us repeatedly.

I seem to recall Austin Peay putting up good yardage on the ground against us. Not homeruns but consistently picking up yardage, especially when they needed to.

(04-02-2018 06:57 PM)Racinejake Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 06:54 PM)vabearcat Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 06:14 PM)rosewater Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:55 PM)djtothemoney Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-02-2018 03:40 PM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Am I wrong in assuming that with Copeland, Broughton, and Mouhon anchoring the line we may be rather formidable in that position group?

I'm not going to say you are wrong, but a lot of those guys had playing time last year and we weren't exactly lighting it up.

We were 94th in Rush Defense and 121st in sacks. Now I know those aren't 100% dependent on the DL, but returning 3 of 4 there and adding in a freshman (who I don't think will start) doesn't give me a lot of hope.

I am not sure that 94th is an accurate representation of our dl against the run last year. Take the 600 yards that Navy got due to soft corner play and the numbers go down significantly. Other than Navy, I do not remember getting gashed by anyone else. The players are good and will get much better in their second year in the scheme.

South Florida and Central Florida gashed us repeatedly.

I seem to recall Austin Peay putting up good yardage on the ground against us. Not homeruns but consistently picking up yardage, especially when they needed to.

Austin Peay - 224
Michigan - 193
Miami - 70
Navy - 569
Marshall - 133
UCF - 141
USF- 212
SMU-140
Tulane-132
Temple-205
ECU-114
UConn-176

If you remove the Navy game, that puts them at 56th. They got gashed a few times, but not as bad as I originally thought.

The lack of sacks is embarassing though.

The teams that were able to rack up the most yards on us did so because of a breakdown of the outside contain. This is primarily the responsibilities of the outside linebackers and safeties, and to a lesser extent the defensive ends. I can remember watching the Navy game and seeing our guys getting destroyed (if you recall Perry Young was ineligible for the first half of the game due to being called for a helmet to helmet penalty the week before-- most of Navy's yards were in the first half).

We had some injuries on the DL as well last year. Cortez Broughton missed some significant time, as did Kevin Mouhon and a couple others. I think our guys will do a much better job this year, having another year in the CLF system under their belt and being healthy.

Let's not forget to factor in Steve Stripling. The guy is a fantastic line coach and I expect all our d lineman to show some level of improvement under him.

Good point on Stripling.

Wonder how Bacevich fits into all of this?

(04-03-2018 09:37 AM)Cataclysmo Wrote: [ -> ]Good point on Stripling.

Wonder how Bacevich fits into all of this?

Not on campus yet. No way of knowing how he'll affect things.

That said, I wonder if Coach Strip - while being much much more lo-key, and far inferior as a recruiter, can prove to be a difference maker along the DL. You gotta figure he wants to be here. He's getting up there in age. He's got a TON of wisdom to pass along. Less sizzle (than Coach Washington), more steak? Let's hope so!

I really expected DL to be a HUGE unit for us last year. There's an infusion of some quality recruits this year. Can only help.




mc

Put him in. Let's build this thing from the bottom up.

Although he was a stick in the mud and I was in no way sad to see him go, I will give Dantonio credit for an immense improvement on the defensive side of the ball. When Kelly got here and set us straight on offense, the defense was ready made. That's when things took off.

...Poor Fickell has to do both, though.

(04-02-2018 12:48 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote: [ -> ]"I know they've had some disappointing seasons, but the coaching staff that's here now is trying to bring the love back for the city and hopefully reach another Sugar or Orange Bowl like we have in the past," said Vann.

The Bearcats will have three of four starters back on the defensive line in 2018 in seniors Cortez Broughton, Marquise Copeland, and Kevin Mouhon as well as others who received regular playing time in Kimoni Fitz, Curtis Brooks, Marcus Brown and Norman Oglesby. But Fickell says Vann won't be redshirting as a freshman.

"He'll play," said Fickell. "What capacity will really be determined by how well he picks things up. I'd say the toughest two positions to play at a young age are O-line and D-line. The physicality and the speed of the game is much different in those areas than it is in high school."

I love this kid's dedication to graduate HS early and is already practicing with the team. Says a lot about him and I like how he thinks in terms of getting UC back in the national spot light. The fact that he will play and contribute this coming season is a bonus for the DL. I thought Broughton played below his abilities last year but he was banged up so I look for him to be stronger and the featured anchor. Agree that overall the line should be improved with another year under CLF. To me the bigger questions marks are on the OL.

It seems like BK's best teams were loaded with local guys (Pike, Byrd, Goodman, etc.) You have to think a 3-star guy playing for his hometown is going at it a little harder than a 4-star guy shipped off to wherever the hell, USA.

Perhaps some one can check my memory...
However, my memory of last year was less of UC getting gashed on runs, and more of the passing defense being bad. And yes, lack of a good pass rush was a big part of that.

My memory was of a lot of 3rd and long pass completions (which kept the other team on the field and made our total rush defense #s look worse also.) So often, we could not get off the field. Does anyone have comparison #s on average yards per rush and how that stacks up with others? % of opposition first downs by rush and pass? I would be interested.

As someone alluded to, my memory was of more successful rushes against us to the edge than between the tackles. I don't have a good way to check that.

So my dream is for Vann to help both parts of that. DE helping set the edge on sweeps and pressuring the QB. I will try to keep my expectations short of "miracle worker" levels.

Also...
The earlier mention of the Navy game made me very glad I had some out of town family obligations that week. I would have been miserable trying to sit still and watch.