Down The Drive - Bearcats National Signing Day 2014A Cincinnati Bearcats blog for the moderately intelligenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48741/downthedrive-fave.png2014-02-10T10:01:04-05:00http://www.downthedrive.com/rss/stream/51454252014-02-10T10:01:04-05:002014-02-10T10:01:04-05:00What The Class Of 2014 Means For The Defense
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As with all recruiting classes, the true value of this group will not be told for some time. Very few freshmen start and contribute meaningful minutes. That being said there are a few positions on defense where the Bearcats could use a bit of depth</p> <h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133779/silverberry-mouhon" class="sbn-auto-link">Silverberry Mouhon</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113178/brad-harrah" class="sbn-auto-link">Brad Harrah</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201939/terrell-hartsfield" class="sbn-auto-link">Terrell Hartsfield</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201941/jerrell-jordan" class="sbn-auto-link">Jerrell Jordan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113177/camaron-beard" class="sbn-auto-link">Camaron Beard</a>, Brandon Mitchell </span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>Hakeem Allonce, Ja'Merez Bowen, Keith Minor, Cortez Broughten, Landon Brazile, Kimoni Fritz, Chris Ferguson</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>JUCO Defensive End</span></li>
</ul>
<p>The Bearcats were senior heavy among defensive tackles in 2013. In fact the rotation was comprised of almost nothing but defensive tackles. As such DT was a big need in this class, and getting a guy ready to come in and contribute was a must. They have that in Hakeem Allonce who is probably penciled in to start, even though he won't get here until camp starts.</p>
<p>The Bearcats are pretty well set at end for this year as all four main guys from last years rotation return. Three of those guys are seniors, which makes getting a JUCO who can come in an contribute from the start of the 2015 season is a must. If Mouhon the Elder blows up and his draft stock explodes with him, which is a distinct possibility, defensive end would be the biggest need of all.</p>
<h4>Linebacker</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133765/nick-temple" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Temple</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114281/jeff-luc" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Luc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113164/solomon-tentman" class="sbn-auto-link">Solomon Tentman</a></span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>Marcus Tappan, Kevin Mouhon</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>Limited</span></li>
</ul>
<p>That Temple and Luc are back is a good thing for this defense as both of these guys fit into what new defensive coordinator Hank Hughes is going to ask of his linebackers, to alternately blitz and play in space. That Luc will shift back inside to his natural Mike position is only going to help things. Tentman has become a very solid contributor working off the bench, and he will have a chance to compete for a bigger role at the open outside linebacker spot, but he won't be alone in that. Tappan looks the part of a starting SAM backer, and I would think he would get the first look there. But there are lots of options for that spot.</p>
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<p>Eric Wilson transferred from Northwestern and could force his way into the rotation, he has the look of a weakside backer more than a strong side one. But Hughes could flip Temple to SAM and put Wilson at WILL if he is one of the best three. After that there are plenty of candidates to fill out the two deep at outside linebacker with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201903/lindsay-crook" class="sbn-auto-link">Lindsay Crook</a>, Kevin Brown, and Corey Mason being the likely candidates.</p>
<p>Then there is Kevin Mouhon. Mouhon the Younger will almost certainly contribute from the start. His talent alone will make that happen, but he also serves a secondary function as an advertisement for elite recruits. He will play a lot as a freshman, most likely in a back up roll behind Luc at MIKE where he is the heir apparent.</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201875/howard-wilder" class="sbn-auto-link">Howard Wilder</a>, Zach Edwards, LEVITICUS PAYNE, Mike Tyson, Adrian Witty, Andre Jones</span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>Linden Stephens, Odell Spencer, Davon Witherspoon, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/89084/alex-thomas" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Thomas</a>, Carter Jacobs, Tyrell Gilbert, JJ Pickney</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>Limited</span></li>
</ul>
<p>The secondary returns a lot of contributors from last years team. Those guys who are returning have played a lot of football. The question is who steps in and takes over Deven Drane's starting spot and who gets Arryn Chenault's. Payne will probably get the first crack at Drane's old spot, and Mike Tyson will almost certainly get the first look at the safety spot opposite Edwards.</p>
<p>The majority of the incoming guys in this class are headed for a red shirt, a couple might be headed for a position change. The two that have a chance to contribute this year are Linden Stephens who had a very productive year of high level prep ball and Pickney, who I really really like.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/10/5395872/what-the-class-of-2014-means-for-the-defense-in-2014Matt Opper2014-02-06T16:50:25-05:002014-02-06T16:50:25-05:00What the Class of 14 Means For The Bearcat Offense
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This class for the Bearcats won't be judged for several years. That is true of almost all classes. This is a game played by grown ass men, and it is beyond the capabilities of all but the rarest of freshman. There wasn't a single player from the class of 2013 that played meaningful snaps for the Bearcats offense, that will probably change with the 2014, but the impact will come from the JUCO ranks. </p> <h4>Quarterback</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Returning: </b><span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160623/bennie-coney" class="sbn-auto-link">Bennie Coney</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158907/gunner-kiel" class="sbn-auto-link">Gunner Kiel</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113148/munchie-legaux" class="sbn-auto-link">Munchie Legaux</a></span> </li>
<li> <b style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Incoming: </b><span>Hayden Moore, Jarred Evans (Jr.)</span> </li>
<li> <b style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">2015 Needs: </b><span>None</span> </li>
</ul>
<p>Quarterback was not a huge need in this class, that much was clear back in the spring when the Bearcats largely stayed out of competitions for top tier quarterbacks. That was probably a wise move. UC is a school that doesn't have an unlimited recruiting budget, so there is obviously a bit of rationing of resources. Given that the Bearcats have two highly touted guys already on the roster in Bennie Coney and Gunner Kiel, (both considered top 20 QB's in the class of 2012) and the winner of the job will be penciled in as a starter for the next three years that makes UC a slightly less desirable destination. Still, the Bearcats got a couple of guys to add depth to a position group that the 2013 Bearcats didn't have much.</p>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201893/hosey-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Hosey Williams</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160626/tion-green" class="sbn-auto-link">Tion Green</a>, Ralph David Abernathy IV, <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Rod Moore</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160628/rob-rice" class="sbn-auto-link">Rob Rice</a></span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>Mike Boone</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>High</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Given the depth that was coming back at this position group running back was never going to be a huge priority in this class. As the season progressed that initial position stayed the same. The top three at the end of the season, Hosey, Tion and RDA4 will be the top four at the beginning of the coming season as well. Mike Boone is a likely candidate for a red shirt, unless he can make waves in the return game where the Bearcats were downright abysmal in 2013. More likely Boone redshirts this season and competes with the guys coming in next year to back up Tion Green. The Bearcats have already offered 11 running backs in the class of 2015.</p>
<h4>Tight End</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning: </b>DJ Dowdy, Travis Johnson, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113166/josh-russ" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Russ</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133781/chad-west" class="sbn-auto-link">Chad West</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201887/tyler-cogswell" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Cogswell</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201933/chris-burton" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Burton</a></span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>None</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>None</span></li>
</ul>
<p>The Bearcats will only have one senior tight end next year in Josh Russ, but he will likely sit behind Dowdy and Johnson on the depth chart, possibly Cogswell as well. UC made a run at Hunter Atkinson, who would have been a fantastic addition to this class, but he flipped to Georgia in the end. Atkinson would have been a great guy to have, but this group is still very good.</p>
<h4>Receivers</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133752/shaq-washington" class="sbn-auto-link">Shaq Washington</a>, Chris Moore, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158279/mekale-mckay" class="sbn-auto-link">Mekale McKay</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133777/max-morrison" class="sbn-auto-link">Max Morrison</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133776/alex-chisum" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Chisum</a>, Jeremy Graves, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160650/shakim-alonzo" class="sbn-auto-link">Shakim Alonzo</a>, Nate Cole</span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>Casey Gladney, Frank Labady</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>Moderate</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Every wide receiver who caught a pass last year beside Anthony McClung is back. As is Alex Chisum who red shirted last season. The depth and youth of this group is what made receiver a very low priority in this class. That is why there are a handful of guys who played receiver extensively in high school being started out at defensive back. Some of those guys could switch back to offense in time, but they aren't needed. Labady is similar to Mike Boone in that he is headed for a red shirt unless he can provide a lift to the sorry return game. Gladney will be given a chance to insert himself into the rotation this year, but it is no sure thing because of how ridiculously deep this group is next year.</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Returning: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113179/eric-lefeld" class="sbn-auto-link">Eric Lefeld</a>, Parker Ehringer, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160643/deyshawn-bond" class="sbn-auto-link">Deyshawn Bond</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113172/cory-keebler" class="sbn-auto-link">Cory Keebler</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113174/kevin-schloemer" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin Schloemer</a>, Justin Murry, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201929/kyle-williamson" class="sbn-auto-link">Kyle Williamson</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160645/ryan-leahy" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Leahy</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201923/tyreek-burwell" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyreek Burwell</a>.</span></li>
<li><span><b>Incoming: </b>Luke Callahan, John Kurtz, Ryan Stout</span></li>
<li><span><b>2015 Needs: </b>Moderate</span></li>
</ul>
<p>The Bearcats lost three very experienced interior linemen this year in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79618/austen-bujnoch" class="sbn-auto-link">Austen Bujnoch</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86003/sam-longo" class="sbn-auto-link">Sam Longo</a> and Andre Cureton. If you include Dan Sprauge who went down in camp, was ably replaced by Bond, and is not coming back for a sixth year its four. So it was obvious from the start that this is going to be a need in this class.</p>
<p>They kind of answered the bell with this class. They got three guys who project to the interior at guard,* all of whom are going to take a red shirt to develop and won't be counted on to contribute for a couple of years. That's fine, what Bond did this year is the exception, not the rule. It would have been nice to get at least one high school offensive tackle in the mix. But they missed on a couple of good ones (<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Krok-26501" target="_blank">Josh Krok </a>comes to mind) and didn't like their secondary options so didn't take a tackle this year. That means the Bearcats will probably take at least one JUCO OT next year, possibly two, and a couple of high school kids to boot.</p>
<p><i>* With Bond here for three more years Center won't be a true need for quite a while</i></p>
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<p>All in all the 2014 class addressed most of the Bearcats needs on the offensive side of the ball. The biggest need they had was interior linemen and they got three quality bigs who will be ready when they are needed in a couple of seasons. That doesn't mean that they are done with interior linemen next year, just that they will be more selective, or rather that they will have the choice to be more selective.</p>
<p>Looking at the class of 2015 there are three obvious needs for that class, running back, offensive tackle and wide receiver. The process for the class of 2015 has already begun for this staff, there are 105 offers out to kids around the country.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/6/5384188/what-the-class-of-2014-means-for-the-cincinnati-offenseMatt Opper2014-02-05T17:35:36-05:002014-02-05T17:35:36-05:00Bearcats Recruiting Class Of 2014 In The Books
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>More or less. This is the quickest way to get up to speed on this class. </p> <p>Here is an infographical representation of the class of 2014 for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a>.</p>
<h4>Early Enrollee's</h4>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Our first QB up is <a href="https://twitter.com/JEvans_8">@JEvans_8</a> who is from Queens, NY! Thanks for stopping by earlier! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="http://t.co/ndrS26MMNn">pic.twitter.com/ndrS26MMNn</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431144887862321152">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Next up is the HS early enrollee <a href="https://twitter.com/HMoore2014">@HMoore2014</a> from Clay Chalkville HS in AL! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatFamily&src=hash">#BearcatFamily</a> <a href="http://t.co/WtcAeH9yUs">pic.twitter.com/WtcAeH9yUs</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431145785980231680">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/tappan_marcus">@tappan_marcus</a>, coming from Glendale College, is our 3rd early enrollee who looks to make an immediate impact at LB! <a href="http://t.co/tJErHOsUvf">pic.twitter.com/tJErHOsUvf</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431146663734816768">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Last but not least <a href="https://twitter.com/Im_Sweezzzz">@Im_Sweezzzz</a> is another Clevelander who looks to bolster our secondary group immediately <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcats&src=hash">#Bearcats</a> <a href="http://t.co/yQHSAxEPCO">pic.twitter.com/yQHSAxEPCO</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431147976606482432">February 5, 2014</a>
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<h4>New Signee's</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Took a little while, but we couldn't be happier to have <a href="https://twitter.com/headcrack45">@headcrack45</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="http://t.co/NlWSgLMjcj">pic.twitter.com/NlWSgLMjcj</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431168790068355072">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>UPDATE: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> show some love to 4-star WR <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyGladney">@CaseyGladney</a>! Big time playmaker in every phase of the game! <a href="http://t.co/jMQAEcfzLJ">pic.twitter.com/jMQAEcfzLJ</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431139389683425280">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Quick fix <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a>: That was NLI 19 that just came in from <a href="https://twitter.com/nflbound90">@nflbound90</a>! Ready to get him back in Cincy! <a href="http://t.co/SRV7EUFTE8">pic.twitter.com/SRV7EUFTE8</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431128546107351040">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Next up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cats&src=hash">#Cats</a> is second signee from Shaker Heights <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Bowen54">@J_Bowen54</a> AKA "Tank." Welcome to the family guys! <a href="http://t.co/KX0VaAfjfc">pic.twitter.com/KX0VaAfjfc</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431104996273184768">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>First up is <a href="https://twitter.com/D1Spencer">@D1Spencer</a> out of Shaker Heights HS! Adding yet another super talented CB to our roster <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="http://t.co/6pVquX80O0">pic.twitter.com/6pVquX80O0</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431104467547586560">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Another long, rangy Cornerback is officially a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a>! Welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/sosa2x_">@sosa2x_</a> to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23305toCincy&src=hash">#305toCincy</a> <a href="http://t.co/LskSMfpwLT">pic.twitter.com/LskSMfpwLT</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431093760265437186">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>#513! The local product <a href="https://twitter.com/T_gilbert2">@T_gilbert2</a> is a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BEARCAT&src=hash">#BEARCAT</a>! <a href="http://t.co/pIrMZNA9y5">pic.twitter.com/pIrMZNA9y5</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431074501674037251">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>US Army All-American & 4-Star Rivals Top 250 Recruit <a href="https://twitter.com/KMooMoo48">@KMooMoo48</a> is officially a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a>! Welcome him, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="http://t.co/o2uC8D7hy9">pic.twitter.com/o2uC8D7hy9</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431074150161981440">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The human highlight reel is a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BEARCAT&src=hash">#BEARCAT</a>! Welcome Frank Labady to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a>! <a href="http://t.co/ug7DRc9er1">pic.twitter.com/ug7DRc9er1</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431073951121281025">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Minor_52">@Minor_52</a> is the newest addition to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNATION&src=hash">#BearcatNATION</a>! Welcome him to the squad! <a href="http://t.co/RrSmfMeSZL">pic.twitter.com/RrSmfMeSZL</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431072280416747520">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Hard hitting safety <a href="https://twitter.com/car2stickz">@car2stickz</a> is commitment #10 of the morning! Welcome to the fam! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatPride&src=hash">#BearcatPride</a> <a href="http://t.co/pjiY11mvWD">pic.twitter.com/pjiY11mvWD</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431066804568330240">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MrLukeCallahan">@MrLukeCallahan</a> is next up! Welcome to the family Luke! #9 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatPride&src=hash">#BearcatPride</a> <a href="http://t.co/BlnpQMkhsV">pic.twitter.com/BlnpQMkhsV</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431063855372828672">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/BigNasty_79">@BigNasty_79</a> is officially the newest member of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a>! Fun fact: Cortez played in the Little League WS! <a href="http://t.co/IIOStTJFCj">pic.twitter.com/IIOStTJFCj</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431054198570893313">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Landino_B">@Landino_B</a> is <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a> #7! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> show him some love! <a href="http://t.co/VYBlXPMa3L">pic.twitter.com/VYBlXPMa3L</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431050083874795523">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>The 6th & newest member of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatNation&src=hash">#BearcatNation</a> is <a href="https://twitter.com/_lococinco">@_lococinco</a>! Welcome to the family! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearcatPride&src=hash">#BearcatPride</a> <a href="http://t.co/M9UJc6hZR6">pic.twitter.com/M9UJc6hZR6</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431049896607481856">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>They are rolling in now! The 5th <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a> and 2nd OLineman is <a href="https://twitter.com/Jurtz71">@Jurtz71</a> from Louisville, KY! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bearcatnation&src=hash">#bearcatnation</a> <a href="http://t.co/r6B6jnLVpI">pic.twitter.com/r6B6jnLVpI</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431043429267562497">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>Next up is <a href="https://twitter.com/PinckneyJJ">@PinckneyJJ</a>'s teammate, OT Ryan Stout! He will provide us w/ some serious toughness & athleticism up front <a href="http://t.co/laLRoCcNId">pic.twitter.com/laLRoCcNId</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431042680441679872">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a> #3 has signed his L.O.I.! He brings <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9322/richard-sherman">Richard Sherman</a> type length to the CB position! <a href="https://twitter.com/PinckneyJJ">@PinckneyJJ</a> <a href="http://t.co/CB2JyxRHu3">pic.twitter.com/CB2JyxRHu3</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431042616654700544">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>The second <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a> is DE Kimoni Fitz hailing from Dan River, VA! He will be a edge presence on D for years to come! <a href="http://t.co/GyOntYXs5S">pic.twitter.com/GyOntYXs5S</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431041674182025219">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>The first NLI is in!! The first official <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bearcat&src=hash">#Bearcat</a> is DT Chris Ferguson from Lake Nona HS (FL)!! <a href="http://t.co/FUwgLYMCrh">pic.twitter.com/FUwgLYMCrh</a></p>
— Coach Waugh (@UCfbrecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCfbrecruiting/statuses/431038044246798336">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>All credit for these graphics to UC's football office, I merely put them all in one place.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/5/5383816/cincinnati-bearcats-class-of-2014-in-the-booksMatt Opper2014-02-05T11:00:06-05:002014-02-05T11:00:06-05:00Cincinnati Bearcats Signee Landon Brazile A Rarity
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<figcaption>Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Once upon a time it was not uncommon for high schoolers to play just a year or two of football and still manage to find their way onto the radar of coaches. With the changes in the football recruiting over the last decade that happens less and less, but it still happens. Landon Brazile is a living embodiment of that.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fcp9Z63KZZE" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1391606512795"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There are a lot of hyper athletic 6'6" guys playing basketball, there are considerably fewer hyper athletic 6'6" 230 pound guys playing football. That athleticism differentiates Brazile from his peers, and its not difficult to pick out why. He is a towering presence on the edge of the defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">At the same time there is more polish and production to Brazile's game than you would expect from someone playing varsity football for the first time this season. He was first team all city league and was named the <a href="http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/sports/high-school/dayton-city-league-all-conference-football-volleyb/nbnCB/" target="_blank">Dayton City League Defensive Player of the Year. </a></p>
<p>At the time of his commitment many recruitniks found it to be a head scratcher. The great and venerated recruiting duo of Tuberville and Gran were taking a commit from a guy who had never played varsity football. It made little sense to that crowd, but that is irrelevant.</p>
<p>If there is one thing that Tubs knows above all else its defense. Brazile's play this year more than validated the staffs faith in him. He might be new to the game, but he doesn't play like it. One of the things I liked in watching his <a href="http://www.gobearcats.com/allaccess/?media=431756" target="_blank">highlights</a> is the way he squeezes space, both when the play goes away from him and also when he is being read. Its a simple thing, but it speaks of solid fundamentals and positional understanding.</p>
<p>Like almost all of the guys being signed today It will be a couple of years before Brazile makes an impact on the field. He still looks like a Basketball player today, but he has the frame to get much bigger, and he will with a year in a college strength and conditioning program.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/5/5381428/second-wave-of-new-bearcats-coming-inMatt Opper2014-02-05T10:22:21-05:002014-02-05T10:22:21-05:00Bearcats Lose Out To Mizzou On Spencer Williams
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The longtime defensive end commit flipped to Missouri after taking a late official visit to the Tigers.</p> <blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Jacksonville, Fla. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FirstCoast&src=hash">#FirstCoast</a> HS DE Spencer Williams has signed with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Missouri&src=hash">#Missouri</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ScoutNSD&src=hash">#ScoutNSD</a></p>
— Patrick Burnham (@PatrickBurnham5) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickBurnham5/statuses/431077449963560961">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>I could regale you with lies about how defensive end isn't a huge need in this class, and that what the Bearcats really need is defensive tackles. That would be a lie, and a big one at that. Williams was going to be a very good player for the Bearcats, and he still will be a very good player, just for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a>. If you want to feel better about this, and possibly find some fictional high ground in the judgement of the decisions of teenagers there is this.</p>
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<p>I wouldn’t be shocked if Cincy told Spencer Williams to go to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Missouri&src=hash">#Missouri</a>. Heard they were pretty upset about <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nebraska&src=hash">#Nebraska</a> and Mizzou visit.</p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/88084/josh-harvey" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Harvey</a> (@JoshHarveyScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshHarveyScout/statuses/431077414433607680">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>This loss doesn't tank the class, it just makes defensive end a huge need for 2015 with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201941/jerrell-jordan" class="sbn-auto-link">Jerrell Jordan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/201939/terrell-hartsfield" class="sbn-auto-link">Terrell Hartsfield</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113178/brad-harrah" class="sbn-auto-link">Brad Harrah</a> graduating and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133779/silverberry-mouhon" class="sbn-auto-link">Silverberry Mouhon</a> possibly taking his talents to the NFL after his Junior season. The last hour really sums up the highs and lows of signing day. Landing Mouhon the Younger and losing Williams to Mizzou.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/5/5381934/spencer-williams-flips-to-missouriMatt Opper2014-02-05T09:55:27-05:002014-02-05T09:55:27-05:00Kevin Mouhon Signs With Cincinnati Bearcats
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<figcaption>Salute indeed | Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Becomes arguably the best recruit in program history</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p>4 star, Army All American, Rivals Top 250, Kevin Mouhon will join his brother Silverberry at UC! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ESPNCFB&src=hash">#ESPNCFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SigningDay&src=hash">#SigningDay</a> <a href="http://t.co/iSM9B65ToP">pic.twitter.com/iSM9B65ToP</a></p>
— Bearcats Football (@Bearcats_FB) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bearcats_FB/statuses/431074135607742466">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>Kevin Mouhon has made it official, he will don the Red and Black to play at least one season with his brother (hopefully two. please two). This has long been anticipated, ever since Mouhon the Younger took an official that led to his decommitment from Tennessee.</p>
<p>Coming into this class the Bearcats needed linebackers, and linebackers they shall have. Marcus Tappann and Mouhon the Younger should contribute this year. This is the first real tangible sign to the world at large that this staff is serious about recruiting and should have an impact on how UC is perceived for the next class as well.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/5/5381842/kevin-mouhon-signs-with-cincinnatiMatt Opper2014-02-05T09:51:20-05:002014-02-05T09:51:20-05:00NLI Update - Part 2
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<figcaption>Streeter Lecka</figcaption>
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<p>Kevin Mouhan is in!</p> <p>4 star Army All American - and brother of Silverberry - Kevin Mouhan has sent in his National Letter of Intent. It seemed apparent he was heading to Cincinnati ever since he decomitted from Tennessee, but stranger things have happened.</p>
<p>Here's the latest set of signees, since our <a href="http://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/5/5381406/national-signing-day-2014">last update</a>:</p>
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<li><span>Kevin Mouhan (LB); Norcross, GA</span></li>
<li><span>Tyrell Gilbert (S); Cincinnati, OH - Princeton HS</span></li>
<li><span>Frank Labady (WR); Miami, FL</span></li>
<li><span>Keith Minor (DT); Chapel Hill, TX</span></li>
<li><span>Carter Jacobs (S); Coral Springs, FL</span></li>
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<p>By my count, we're at 14 total signees.</p>
<p>Keith Minor was a bit of a surprise; he wasn't on my radar until today.</p>
<p>And, yes we're still jamming to Bruce on the Bearcats <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gobearcats.com/allaccess/?media=430347">Fax Cam</a>. They're even showing highlights of current signees.</p>
https://www.downthedrive.com/bearcats-football/2014/2/5/5381824/national-letter-of-intent-update-part-2Justin Post2014-02-05T09:22:38-05:002014-02-05T09:22:38-05:00Tight End Hunter Atkinson Flips To Georgia
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Shades of Dennis Norfleet</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
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<p>Can't say I told you so ... but West Hall HS (Ga) TE Hunter Atkinson signed with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UGA&src=hash">#UGA</a> after offer today, per HS coach. Story coming</p>
— Michael Carvell (@RecruitingAJC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RecruitingAJC/statuses/431062280852099072">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>Recruiting is weird. The Bearcats were in on Atkinson for months, and at the time the only competition was from Georgia State. Atkinson committed to the Bearcats on the 31st of January, and was thought to be solid. Not that solid obviously, a last hour offer from the Dawgs was too much for the Bearcats to overcome.</p>
<p>Atkinson would have been a great fit with the Bearcats young tight end duo of Travis Johnson and D.J. Dowdy, but what's done is done.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/2/5/5381704/hunter-atkinson-recruiting-tight-end-georgia-bulldogs-cincinnati-bearcatsMatt Opper