The Numbers
- 56 tackles
- 7.0 TFL
- 2.0 sacks
- 1 forced fumble
- 2 passes defended
I’ve been banging the drum for Kevin Mouhon since the four-star recruit joined his brother Silverberry on the Cincinnati Bearcats’ roster in 2014. Entering 2017, I had him pegged as a real breakout candidate and someone that could really challenge for all-conference honors.
Unfortunately, despite a solid campaign overall, Mouhon still failed to live up to the expectations he has been carrying around for the last four years. While his 2016 campaign could be considered a coming out party (9.5 TFL), Mouhon has still yet to reach the heights you’d expect from a four-star prospect.
But let’s not dwell on the negative. As I said, Mouhon still had a pretty strong season in 2017. He set career-highs with 56 tackles and 2.0 sacks, doubling his career output in the latter category in the process. He was also one of the best Bearcats in terms of tackles for loss (7.0) as he made the full-time move to defensive end. A forced fumble and a couple passes defended expanded his impact.
The Best of the Best
Aug. 31 vs. Austin Peay
The breakout season appeared on schedule as Mouhon had six tackles, including one for loss, and a QB hit.
Sept. 16 at Miami-Ohio
Causing havoc in the backfield is something Mouhon has flashed a skill for. This was a blinding one, as he racked up two sacks.
Oct. 14 at USF
With nine tackles, including eight solo jobs, Mouhon was one of the few bright spots in this game. He also had a tackle for loss.
Oct. 21 vs. SMU
While he didn’t create any negative plays, Mouhon deserves credit for a career-high 10 tackles.
For Next Year
With the addition of Steve Stripling as defensive line coach, the Bearcats are clearly taking concerted efforts to improve the pass rush. Stripling turned UC into sack central in his time with the team from 2010-12 and players like Mouhon are really going to benefit from his sage wisdom. As he showed against the RedHawks this season, Mouhon has the skill to be a top pass rusher. Perhaps in his fifth and final season, with a new coach behind him, he will finally reach his peak. I, for one, am expecting that he will.