CINCINNATI

No Big East offense comes into the 2009 season with more hype than the Bearcats.  QB Tony Pike leads a talented passing attack that could do some serious damage this fall.  Coach Brian Kelly hinted that he might open up the offense, which is good news for fantasy fans, and bad news for the rest of the conference.

Other notes:  WR Marcus Barnett moved over to defense.  WR Vidal Hazelton, a USC-transfer, has appealed the NCAA to be eligible to play this fall instead of sitting out a year.

This offense is loaded.  The two prospects that should be drafted in every league are WR Mardy Gilyard and QB Tony Pike.

Gilyard was spectacular in 2008, catching 81 balls for 1,276 yards and 11 scores.  There is no reason why he shouldn’t match those stats in 2009.

Pike threw for 2,400 of Cincy’s 3,500 passing yards last fall (19 of 26 team TD passes).  This year, Pike’s the clear number one guy.  No Dustin Grutza to worry about.  No Ben Mauk drama.  He’s the man.  And he has a plethora of talented receivers to chuck it to.

There are actually three to choose from here. 

If the season started today, D.J. Woods would likely be the No. 2 WR to Gilyard.  He is a favorite of Coach Kelly, and has big upside.

JUCO transfer WR Jamar Howard is yet another WR to watch this fall.  He’s 6’5 with good speed and reliable hands.  He could make an instant impact this fall, and supplant Woods as the No. 2 WR option.

The leading rusher for the Bearcats in 2008 was Jacob Ramsey with a measly 664 yards.  The RB buzz this spring was all about Isaiah Pead.  He is blessed with breakaway speed, and is shifty enough to make people miss.  But is he tough enough between the tackles? 

Can Cincy find a running game?  Wil Pead be the No. 1 guy?  If so, does he have the ability to be the every down back?  Will Jacob Ramsey or John Goebel vulture the short yardage and goalline carries?

Pike was 25-35 for 210 yards and a touchdown.

Mardy Gilyard missed some time this spring with bone bruise in his foot.  The injury was not considered to be serious.

Spring Recaps - Team Index