Cincinnati 2014 Spring Football Wrap Up

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

Cincinnati returned everyone but Anthony McClung at wide receiver and the group as a whole looked great during spring practice. So it’s clear that this will be the most dangerous unit on the team heading into next season.

The quarterback position has the potentially to be a strength if Notre Dame transfer Gunner Kiel can build upon his 300 yard performance in the spring game through this summer and fall.

Additionally the linebacker corps looks as disruptive as ever.

On the flip side, Cincinnati has major question marks in the secondary and along both lines.

There has been quite a bit of turnover at cornerback, safety, and defensive tackle this offseason and those position groups felt the effects of that this spring.

Additionally the Bearcats’ offensive line, while experienced, just can’t find a way to stay healthy. They missed a few key cogs during the spring game last Saturday and depth is razor thin here.

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

QB Gunner Kiel is at the top of the list of players who could become a household name in Cincinnati this fall. He’s got the hype and the measurables. If Kiel can meet or exceed his expectations, no matter how lofty they might be for some fans, he could become a star at UC.

On the defensive side of the ball I’d keep an eye on safety Mike Tyson. He played quite a bit as a true freshman last season on special teams and snagged himself an interception in the spring game as a 1st team defensive back.

Grade each position group

Quarterback: B+  This is just the grade as a group. If we’re evaluating Kiel by himself, he’d get an A, but his backups were shaky on Saturday and pulled down the grade.

Running backs: B-  The group as a whole was “solid” but no one player stood out. At this rate, EJ Junior, Tion Green,and Hosey Williams could very well split time there this fall.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: A-  Cincinnati will lean on their receivers in 2014 and based on their performance in the spring game I can see why. They ran all over UC’s secondary on Saturday.

Offensive Line: B  Despite the injuries, they seem to have played pretty well this spring. If they can get healthy this is a B+/A- type unit but if not the lack of depth will catch up to this group.

Defensive Line: C+  This unit was mired by inexperience and injuries this spring. UC has some studs on the edge but two were missing in the spring game due to injury. Plus there is a fresh rotation of defensive tackles on the interior. Defensive line is arguably Cincinnati’s weakest position group right now.

Linebackers: B+  UC had to replace Greg Blair on the inside but Jeff Luc appears to have filled that void admirably. He picked up 11 tackles in a half during the spring game. As a whole, this is an above average position group.

Secondary: B-  Aside from the Mike Tyson interception, the defensive backs got torched on Saturday. I still think this unit has a bright future, though.

Special Teams: B+  Incumbent kicker Tony Miliano missed an extra point but nailed a 49 yard field goal. Additionally Andrew Gantz, who is vying for his job, looked pretty good as well. This battle could come down to the last day of summer camp.

What can we expect from Cincinnati in 2014?

There has been a lot of turnover on this team this offseason and Cincinnati’s schedule in 2014 is much more difficult than last year. They face Ohio State, Miami (FL), and Toledo, who are never an easy opponent from the MAC, in nonconference play. Plus, while they avoid UCF in 2014 for some odd reason, Cincinnati still has to play East Carolina and Houston in the AAC.

So I’m not sure the Bearcats can improve on their 9 win performance in 2013 but I don’t see them winning less than 7 games. My prediction for their win-loss record is 8-4, which would be a pretty solid finish for this particular team against that schedule.

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Chris Bains of Bearcats Nation provided the information for our Cincinnati football 2013 spring wrap up. For more Cincinnati football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Chris on Twitter @cinbinbains.

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