2003 Cincinnati Football Preview

Gino Guidugli

It will be hard not to notice the changes in the 2003 Bearcat football team. After all, the departure of 12 starters from a squad that claimed a share of the 2002 Conference USA title has resulted in a significant decrease in the star power of the team. Gone are the players who served as the backbone of the group that set a school record by making bowl appearances in each of the last three seasons.

But 10th year head coach Rick Minter knew that this day was coming and planned well for it, stocking the roster with quality replacements that will help to keep Cincinnati at the top of the C-USA standings. Now it is time for those replacements to step out of the shadows and make names for themselves.

The 10 starters returning doesn't adequately convey the experience of the unit as a whole, especially considering that 20 of the 22 top reserves from a year ago are back. A total of 45 lettermen return, including 24 on defense and 19 on offense. The question that remains to be answered is how quickly the reserves step forward to fill the gaps left by graduation.

Minter has proven to be a master at exceeding expectations in recent years. The Bearcats have finished in the top two in Conference USA in each of the last three years, doing so while being picked no higher than fifth in the preseason coaches poll.

Despite losing six starters, the defense should continue to be a strength of the team, especially considering that all 11 reserves are back, most of whom saw extensive duty during the 2002 campaign.

After a slow start last year, the defense showed considerable improvement as the year developed, eventually finishing 21st nationally in total defense and 17th against the pass. Each facet of the unit improved over 30 places in the final NCAA defensive statistics from the season before.

The strength of the defense will come at linebacker where four regulars return who combined to make 277 tackles last year, while both the secondary and lines each return multiple starters.

The losses hit the offense the hardest as all three starting receivers, the primary running back and two offensive linemen are gone from a unit that led Conference USA in both total offense (397.5 ypg) and passing offense (260.6 ypg).

There is much optimism regarding the potential of the offense because quarterback Gino Guidugli, who led C-USA in passing efficiency (124.2), passing yards (253.1) and total offense (255.0), returns for his junior campaign and he will be expected to work with a young group of receivers to offset the losses to graduation.

Improvement in all areas of the special teams will be a primary focus as the Bearcats return units each ranked in the bottom 30 nationally. UC will have to find a replacement for All-American kicker Jonathan Ruffin and also improve a punting unit that went from second to 102nd nationally in net punting in just one season.

QUARTERBACK
The quarterback slot is in great hands as junior Gino Guidugli returns after setting almost every UC single season passing record in 2002.

The big question to be answered is who will be the backup?

Guidugli earned second team All C-USA honors a year ago and was nothing short of magnificent throughout the year. He set UC season records for passes attempted (472) and completed (258), passing yards (3,543), total offense (3,570) and total plays (541).

Guidugli is the total package, possessing all of the tools necessary to succeed at quarterback. At 6-3, he has the size needed to throw from the pocket yet his arm strength and vision make him especially dangerous while throwing on the run. Minter has noted that he has never worked with a quarterback who can throw back across his body on the run as
well as Guidugli.

Guidugli's poise and leadership skills were never more evident than in the 2002 season opener against TCU. He struggled for three quarters, throwing four interceptions and leading UC to just 14 points but was able to ignite a fourth quarter rally. He brought UC back from a 15-point deficit, scoring the overtime forcing two-point conversion on a quarterback sneak and then winning the game with a 14-yard scoring run in overtime.

The battle for the backup slot should be an interesting one. George Murray, who served as the backup in each of the last two seasons, will move full time to wide receiver and would be the logical choice to switch back to quarterback in the event of an extended injury to Guidugli.

The leading candidate for the backup role is junior Collin Carey, who becomes eligible this fall after transferring from Eastern Michigan. Freshman Todd Spitzer will be added to the mix when he reports for the first time in August.

Carey, a graduate of Cincinnati's Elder High, was a reserve quarterback for two seasons at Eastern Michigan, playing in three games.

Carey was impressive during spring drills at UC, showing the poise and leadership of a veteran. He completed 10-of-19 passes for 129 yards during the annual spring game.

Spitzer is the heir apparent to Guidugli, possessing a 6-5 frame and strong arm that should allow him to excel in the UC passing scheme. The only thing that needs to be determined is how quickly he will be able to adjust to the speed of collegiate football.

WIDE RECEIVER
Minter knows that the key to the production of the offense this year will be the ability of the receiving unit to overcome the loss of starters LaDaris Vann, Tye Keith and Jon Olinger, a trio that combined to make 174 catches for 2,618 yards and 16 touchdowns last year.

Unlike last season when the Bearcats focused the majority of the playing time on those three players, the competition for playing time this fall could lead to as many as seven or eight players rotating in and out of the lineup.

One constant in the lineup should be George Murray, who will focus exclusively on receiving after splitting time between receiver and quarterback last year. He performed well as the fourth receiver, making 26 catches for 278 yards and two touchdowns.

The rest of the receiving lineup is up for grabs with juniors Kevin Hazel and Jeff Henderson, sophomores Derick Ross and Walter Dudley, freshman Charlie Vample and junior college transfer Cedric Dawley returning. They will be joined in the fall by JC transfer Hannibal Thomas and freshman Mike Daniels, Bill Poland and Clint Parks, each of whom could make an impact.

Murray is one of the best all-around athletes on the team and the decision by Minter to allow him to focus exclusively on receiving should pay big dividends. He will be expected to account for a good portion of the catches lost by the departed seniors.

A possession receiver, Murray uses his experience that he gained as a running quarterback to excel at running with the ball after the catch. He has great cutting ability, owning a quick burst of speed that allows him to beat defenders.

Ross, who is nicknamed "Smooth" because of the ease at which he appears to play the positions, has the best fundamentals of the receivers. He runs excellent routes and uses his sneaky quickness to beat defenders.

Hazel's one catch for 33 yards in 2002 was not indicative of the amount of playing time that he saw. He has good size and instincts for the position, attributes which should lead to increased production this fall.

Henderson will finally get his chance to break into the lineup after sitting out last season following his transfer from Morehead State.
He stood out during preseason camp and spring practice a year ago, showing a variety of receiving skills that quickly made him a favorite target of the UC quarterbacks.

Dawley, who was a first team all-league choice after catching 43 passes for 823 yards and six touchdowns last year at Compton CC, will join the squad for spring quarter and take part in spring drills.

Dudley made the team as a walkon a year ago and saw action in several games. He impressed the coaches with his rout-running skills.

Vample was an honorable mention all-state choice as a senior at Reading High but struggled with injuries during his redshirt campaign.

Sophomore Justin LaForgia, who played tight end during his first two years with the program, has moved to receiver where he will try to take better advantage of his receiving skills.

No skill position will be impacted more by the arrival of the recruiting class than wide receiver as several of the newcomers could
immediately factor into the playing lineup.

Leading this list is Daniels, who was the Ohio Division I Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,564 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushing for 1,387 yards and 23 scores as a senior at Princeton High in Cincinnati. At 5-7 and lightning quick, Daniels is viewed as capable of filling the interior receiver role that allowed LaDaris Vann to lead Conference USA in receiving in each of the last two years.

Thomas, an honorable mention All-America selection by J.C. Gridwire after making 54 catches for 769 yards and eight touchdowns last year at Pasadena City College, may be the most prepared of the newcomers to play. He combines a 6-3 frame with 4.55 speed to give him many of the attributes that allowed Jon Olinger to excel last year.

Poland was the workhorse of the passing attack that allowed Cincinnati Elder High to claim the Ohio Division I state title, catching 60
passes for 1,391 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has the all-around receiving skills that should allow him to be play a role in the UC receiving lineup over the next four years.

RUNNING BACK
There will be a change over in the running game as DeMarco McCleskey, who set a school record with 1,361 yards rushing last year and finished his career ranked second in UC history with 3,487 yards, has graduated.

A quartet of returners however are ready to take over, headed by junior Richard Hall and seniors Tedric Harwell, Booker Vann and David Harris.

Hall is the leading candidate to claim the starting nod after a strong showing last fall. One of the most decorated backs in Cincinnati
High School football history, Hall shook off the rust from an almost three-year layoff from the game to finish second on the team in rushing, carrying 59 times for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

Hall's strength is his elusiveness, using his cutting ability and a quick burst of speed to beat defenders.

Hall has a history of performing well as the primary back. He was the 1998 Ohio Player of the Year after rushing for 2,855 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior at Wyoming High and amassed 7,386 yards and 121 touchdowns during his high school career.

Harwell saw extensive time as a reserve last year, carrying 45 times for 165 yards and catching five passes for 40 yards. He is the
quickest of the backs, owning 4.49 speed in the 40, and his running style compliments Hall well as he is effective running between the tackles.

Vann is the most versatile of the backs, being effective as a runner, blocker and receiver. He joined the team last year after
transferring from Kent State and filled a plethora of roles. He is the best blocking back on the squad and showed good receiving skills.

Harris has earned a reputation for his play on special teams but a pair of knee injuries have hampered his development in the backfield.

Several other backs will get the chance to break into the lineup, including sophomore Carl Jones, who played both wide receiver and cornerback last year, sophomore Kyle Koester and freshmen Derick Edington and Ken Smith.

Koester, who becomes eligible this fall after transferring from Indiana, is the most experienced of the group. Built more like a fullback, Koester uses his size and strength to run over defenders, a skill that helped him earn all-state honors three times while rushing for more than 4,300 yards during his career at Elder High.

OFFENSIVE LINE & TIGHT END
Despite the loss of two starters, the offensive line should continue to be a strength this year.

The line will be centered around the interior where seniors Josh Shneyderov (6-2, 272) and Travis McGee (6-3, 282) and junior Kyle Takavitz (6-4, 303) return.

Takavitz moves inside to left guard after starting at left tackle this year. He will fill the void left by Kirt Doolin, who earned second team All-CUSA honors. Shneyderov will get the starting nod at center for a third straight year while McGee is expected to start at right guard for the second consecutive year.

After a great showing during spring practice, junior Steve Eastlake (6-5, 280) has the inside shot at starting at left tackle and senior Anthony Colton (6-3, 299), who played guard last year, is expected to start at right tackle.

Depth is one of the line's greatest strengths as 10 players who lettered last year are back.

Sophomore Joel Yakovac (6-2, 283), who is one of the most versatile of the reserves, is slated for backup duty at guard though he is capable of playing center as well.

Juniors Clint Stickdorn (6-6, 308) and redshirt freshman Frank Straub (6-6, 305) are the leading candidates to serve as the backups at right and left tackle, respectively, while junior Adam Shorter (6-6, 291) and sophomore Ryan Brown (6-2, 275) will see time at guard with Matt Mercer (6-3, 300) most likely serving as the backup center.

Several other returners will try and work their way into the lineup, including junior Jeremy Schlicher (6-5, 283), sophomore Matt
Webster (6-3, 273), and freshmen Jeff Reinstatler (6-2, 283) and Hank Davis (6-4, 239).

The tight end position features a pair of returners, each of whom offer different strengths.

Senior Dennis Hart is the best receiver among the group, catching 10 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown a year ago. He was most effective when he lined up as a receiver, allowing him to take advantage of his 6-3 frame and deceptive speed. He caught 74 passes for 1,495 yards and 13 touchdowns in two seasons at Compton (Calif.) Community College.

Junior A.J. Lucius has the best all-around skills. Known mostly for his blocking ability during his first year and a half in the program,
he steadily improved as a receiver as the 2002 season progressed, catching three passes for 34 yards.

LINEBACKER
The growth of the defense the last two years corresponds directly with the improvement shown in the linebacker unit. The improvement should continue as the seven returning linebackers should give UC one of the top units in Conference USA.

The linebacking chores were split between six players a year ago with each playing approximately half of the defensive snaps. Four of the regulars return and the production by that group was outstanding.

Junior Jamar Enzor takes over as the starter in the middle after finishing third on the team with 91 tackles last year. He was third on the team with 15 tackles for loss and fourth with 4.5 quarterback sacks.

Senior Tyjuan Hagler, the lone starter returning, was seventh on the team with 79 tackles last year and he made at least one tackle for loss in all but one game, finishing the year with 18.

Junior Jason Russell is expected to move into the starting lineup at the weak side linebacker slot after playing as a reserve last year. He made 58 tackles, including eight tackles for loss.

Junior Jamey Murphy will backup Hagler for the second straight year after making 49 tackles a year ago.

After excelling on special teams last year, junior Jermaine Wilson will backup Enzor at middle linebacker this year and get his first chance for extended playing time. He saw action on just 23 defensive plays last year, making 11 tackles, 10 of which came on special teams.

Sophomore Michael Brown had a breakout performance during spring practice, moving himself into the reserve slot behind Jason Russell. He has added 15 pounds to his frame while making himself one of the strongest
athletes on the team.

Junior Akanni Turner and freshman Dominic Ross will each get a chance to work their way into the lineup this year. Turner has seen action as a reserve and on special teams in each of the last two years. Ross, the younger brother of receiver Derick, made the team as a walk-on last year.

SECONDARY
The depth of a year ago is still apparent in the secondary where despite losing a pair of starters, 11 lettermen return.

Returning starters Doug Monaghan and Zach Norton are two of the best defensive players on the team and should challenge for all-league mention. Monaghan will start for a third straight season at strong safety while Norton will start at one cornerback spot.

Monaghan, who was named to the 2003 preseason All-Conference USA squad, came one sprained ankle short of leading the team in tackles for the second straight year, giving up the team lead only after missing the last two games of the year. He made 88 tackles with one interception, adding to the 101 tackles and two thefts that he made as a freshman.

Although Blue Adams tied the school record for interceptions in a season last year, it was Norton who was probably the best defensive back on the team. He played all but 43 defensive downs, making 52 tackles with a pair of interceptions. He combines 4.54 speed with a team-best 39 1/2-inch vertical jump to excel in pass coverage.

Minter will count on a couple of returning reserves to fill the rest of the starting lineup. Daven Holly, who played wide receiver for his first two years before switching to the defense last fall, has the inside track on the open cornerback spot while freshman JaJuan Hall or senior Franklin Callicott will start at free safety.

Holly adjusted quickly to the defense, eventually becoming the nickel back. He combines 4.39 speed with great instincts to become a good cover corner.

Callicott's numbers in limited action last year were scary good. Despite seeing extensive action in just four games, he made 52 tackles, including a team season-high 19 tackles against UAB and 17 against North Texas in the New Orleans Bowl. A first-year freshman, Hall come on strong during spring practice, showing the skills of a veteran.

Senior Thaddeus Lewis and freshman John Bowie are expected to be the backup cornerbacks while senior James Julian will play at free safety and sophomore Jonny Zwitt will see time at strong safety.

Bowie was slated to see reserve action as a true-freshman last year before suffering an injury during preseason that kept him sidelined for several games and resulted in a redshirt year. Lewis proved to be a valuable contributor at cornerback and on special teams last year, making 10 tackles with an interception. Playing at strong safety, Julian made 11 tackles with an interception while Zwitt moved from running back to the secondary and did not see any action.

The rest of the reserves will come from a group that consists of senior John Hinson and Marvin Allen and twin brothers Jeremy and Jonathan Jackson and freshmen Brian Dodd and Antoine Horton.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The least experienced unit on the team is the defensive line where only one starter and two players who saw extensive duty a year ago return.

Despite the inexperience, prospects for strong play are good as several other returners are back after missing last season because of injury who are capable of making an impact.

The line will center around defensive ends Trent Cole and Andre Frazier, both of whom have been playmakers during their UC careers.

Cole, a preseason All-Conference USA choice this year, moves outside from the tackle slot that he filled a year ago. He was the top newcomer on the defense last year, making 87 tackles with 12 TFL and five sacks.

An incredibly well conditioned athlete, Cole makes plays using his superior strength. Nicknamed "Scrap Iron" because of his physique, it is no coincidence that the improvement of the UC defense last year coincided with his move into the starting lineup.

Frazier gets his chance to step into the spotlight after playing behind two-time All-CUSA pick Antwan Peek the last two years. Playing in just over a third of the defensive downs last year, Frazier made 62 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and a team-best six quarterback sacks.

Senior Ka'Son Love and junior Mike Wright are the leading candidates to start at tackle after each missed the 2002 season due to
injury.

Love joined the team just days before the 2001 season started and made 22 tackles in a reserve role despite never really being given the time to learn the UC system. At 6-2, 246, Love uses his size and strength to penetrate and alter plays.

Wright transferred to UC two years ago from Ashland University and claimed a starting tackle slot last year before being sidelined by a knee injury. The 6-5, 291 Wright is one of the strongest players on the team.

Depth on the line will come from seniors John Feaster and Tommy Simpson, junior Lonnie Simmons, sophomore Adam Roberts and freshman Jamie Wimmer.

Feaster saw reserve duty a year ago after transferring from Pearl River CC, making five tackles. Roberts saw the most playing time among the returning reserves, making 16 tackles, including five tackles for loss.

Simpson played linebacker last year in his first season at UC while Wimmer redshirted.

Several newcomers could also be a factor in the lineup. Sophomore Donald Germany, the scout team defensive player of the year in each of the last two seasons, and Michigan State transfer Darrell Brown each become eligible this fall.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The three weeks of preseason practice in August will determine all of the participants on special teams this year.

The biggest change comes at kicker where Jonathan Ruffin, the 2000 Lou Groza Award winner as the nation's top kicker, headed to the NFL as the holder of just about every UC game, season and career record.

Chet Ervin, who earned Conference USA All-Freshman team honors as a punter last year, is the leading candidate to take over the kicking chores. Ervin has excellent range, making kicks from 50 and 53 yards in high school, and showed improved consistency during spring practice.

Despite being one of the top returning punters in C-USA, Ervin will most likely not handle the punting chores if he is also the kicker, allowing freshman Jordan Lear to move into the lineup.

Lear, who at 6'7" is one of the tallest punters in the nation, was a first team all-state choice as a senior at Zanesville (Ohio) High after averaging 40.8 yards per kick.

There are a half dozen players who are in the mix to handle the returns this year.

Tedric Harwell, David Harris, Thaddeus Lewis and Carl Jones, who combined to make 29 of UC's 46 kickoff returns last year, are back and will be joined by freshman Mike Daniels and junior Daven Holly.

Harwell led the team with a 23.9 average on 12 returns last year, including a team-best 71-yard effort. Jones returned 10 kickoffs for a 21.7 average and Harris averaged 19.7 yards on just three returns.

Richard Hall and Thaddeus Lewis are leading candidates to take over the punt return chores, while juniors George Murray and Carl Jones will also get a chance to claim the job.