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This is a somewhat slow week for UC news. The Basketball team isn't in action again until Saturday. The only real event this week is signing day on Wendsday. For now lets talk about Isaiah Pead who impressed everyone in Mobile and made himself some money.
Isaiah Pead
Isaiah Pead Named 2012 Senior Bowl MVP - University of Cincinnati Official Athletics Site
"A win caps off the week," Pead said. "You want to go in and practice hard, interview well and meet fans, but going away with a loss – as a competitor – I wouldn’t like that. We’re all out here competing and for the North side to come in and get a win caps off everything. I got everything I wanted out of this week. I got good work done at practice and I got a win for this game."
The MVP of the Senior Bowl came from this underrated back from Cincinnati. Showing a nice burst and elusiveness, Pead had an outstanding game. If his offensive performance wasn’t enough, Pead also had a great performance on Special Teams returning 2 punts for 98 yards. Pead is another player who really opened eyes. With most people looking at Doug Martin and Chris Polk, Pead stepped up in a big way.
WRs steal the thunder, boost stock in Senior Bowl - CBSSports.com
--Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: The game's MVP was easily the most explosive running back in this. He demonstrated his unique straight-line speed and agility by accelerating through holes and making defenders miss as a running back and punt returner. Despite taking on return duties late in his senior season, Pead showed good vision and courage in attacking seams as he averaged 49 yards on the two opportunities. He demonstrated not only athleticism, but also the willingness to cut back inside against the grain and finish his runs.
Senior Bowl 2012: How Much Can A Prospect Improve Their Stock? - Cincy Jungle
Isaiah Pead had a great game as a punt return man and a great week of practice to backup his MVP performance on Saturday. He was considered a mid-round pick (3-5) by most before this week. The questions with Pead most scouts have are - Can he run between the tackles? - Can Pead carry the load or is he a backup? - Can he pass protect? - Everybody knows that Pead is an electrifying runner in open space and he can make guys miss with his elusiveness. That was never questioned an Isaiah didn't disappoint this week.
Basketball
UC Bearcats must rediscover their offensive flow | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com
In an attempt to bolster the front line for rebounding, UC coach Mick Cronin, beginning with the Villanova game, has started Justin Jackson alongside Gates, leaving the Bearcats with three perimeter players in their lineup instead of four. They are 2-3 with that lineup.
I agree with the theory of starting Jackson for the help he brings defensively and on the boards. But I still think that the best lineup is one with Jaquon Parker starting at the 4. I still would go with that group even though Parker has really struggled shooting the ball.
Should I Recap the Bearcats 61-54 Loss to Rutgers? | Bearcats Blog
Football Recruiting
Moeller's Monty Madaris verbally commits to Michigan State | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com
Moeller senior wide receiver Monty Madaris has verbally committed to Michigan State, according to his family. Madaris, who is one of the state’s top players in the 2012 class, had been considering UC, Michigan, Michigan State and Kentucky among his finalists earlier this month.
In the end not a surprise. Mark Dantonio has built a tremendous pipeline at Moeller and has gotten the best player from there in something like four of the past 5 seasons. WR is a need for MSU, it was more of a bonus for UC. Best of luck to Monty with Sparty