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The Cincinnati Bearcats face off with a robust crop of signal callers in 2019, both in the AAC and in their non-conference slate.
Here are the five best UC will see in AAC play in 2019:
5. Anthony Russo, Jr., Temple: When Anthony Russo took over for the Owls in 2018, Temple turned the corner on a season that started in less-than-stellar fashion. The 6’4 signal caller guided Temple to 8 wins last season and has a great opportunity to push Temple to greater heights in 2019. Russo is decisive in the pocket and is not afraid to make the big throws. He has a bit of the interception bug (14 INTs last season) but he is a quarterback that is well-suited to the big moment.
4. Brady White, Jr., Memphis: The junior pocket-passer returns for his second season at the helm in Memphis. Last year, he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and he’s got a cadre of fantastic targets coming back in 2019. Brady White connected with wide receiver Damonte Coxie for 72 receptions and 1,174 yards last year. Expect more of the same this season.
3. Shane Buechele, Grad., SMU: Arlington, Texas’ own Shane Buechele made an appearance on our Top Five Transfers in the AAC list and he also merits inclusion on this list. Playing a few exits east of his hometown, Buechele will thrive in Sonny Dykes’ pass-happy offense. Buechele has a big arm and has always been tough. He will round out an up-and-down college career with an outstanding campaign for the Mustangs, propelling him to a place in the 2020 NFL Draft.
2. Brandon Wimbush, Sr., UCF: The top man in our aforementioned transfer article, Brandon Wimbush is one of college football’s most exciting players. He will compile an impressive highlight reel this season, playing behind a UCF team that is primed once again to compete for a New Years’ bowl bid. Wimbush made some awfully head-scratching decisions on the field at Notre Dame but also made a bevy of magic for the Fighting Irish. All indications are that Wimbush has seasoned in UCF’s camp under Josh Huepel, winning a three-headed QB battle this August.
1. D’Eriq King, Sr., Houston: Set aside a seat at the Downtown Athletic Club for D’Eriq King. New Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen has made the likes of Brandon Weeden, Geno Smith, and Case Keenum into statistical juggernauts. D’Eriq King is better than any of them. He made be the best combination passer and runner in college football. I do not envy the Bearcats on October 12th.