Season in Review: Darrick Forrest

The Numbers

• 49 tackles
• 3 passes defended
• 2 pass breakups
• 1 interceptions
• 1 fumble recovery

Following a limited role for the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2017, we at Down the Drive expected big things from Darrick Forrest last fall. Even if he didn’t have the same type of breakout as fellow safety James Wiggins, Forrest still took a major step forward and established himself as a fixture in the defensive secondary.

As a freshman in 2017, Forrest managed to carve out some opportunities for himself on special teams and as an occasional contributor on defense. He received quite the promotion in his second season, as the former three-star recruit was inserted into the starting lineup from the word go. He played well enough all season to avoid slipping off the depth chart, appearing in all 13 games and starting in 12 of them.

With more time on the field, Forrest got to work defending passes and bringing down ball carriers. He just missed joining the 50-tackle club and ranked eighth on the team in total stops (49), including 29 solo efforts. His playmaking ability did not shine as brightly as others, but he still collected an interception and a fumble recovery, while breaking up a pair of passes and tallying three passes defended.

When you put it all together, Forrest had himself a solid sophomore campaign and one that should serve as a launching pad for bigger and better things.

The Best of the Best

Sept. 8 at Miami-Ohio

This was the game in which Forrest secured his first career interception. Add in yet another Victory Bell win for the Bearcats and you’ll agree that the second-year safety had himself a nice evening.

Setp. 22 vs. Ohio University

It took every single inch of the Bearcats to beat Ohio. Forrest contributed with a season-high seven tackles and a key fumble recovery.

Oct. 6 vs. Tulane

Forrest matched that season-high in tackles against the Green Wave and also had a pass defense for good measure.

Dec. 31 vs. Virginia Tech

In his first bowl game, Forrest racked up six total tackles, including five of the solo variety.

For Next Year

There is every reason to believe that Forrest will be back as a starting safety next fall. If he keeps playing like he did in 2018, that would be just fine, but Forrest can be even better if he makes more plays on the ball and gets more active against the run and on the pass rush. In addition, since Luke Fickell and Marcus Freeman like positional versatility, Forrest could shift to other parts of the field. The possibilities and potential are all there for Forrest to capitalize.