Self-Described Super Nerd, An Anchor on the O-Line – Kyle Trout

August 14, 2018

A former four-star recruit and the #17 tackle in the nation, Kyle Trout originally chose to play his collegiate football up I-71 North at the Ohio State University, having been recruited by Luke Fickell.  While in Columbus, he earned a bachelor’s degree in family resource management in just three years.  He also had the chance to be apart of the College Football Playoff game against Clemson his freshman year.

The hard-worker that he is, Kyle did not believe he was getting the playing time he deserved for the Buckeyes.  Having formed a very close relationship with Luke Fickell, when Coach Fickell joined the Bearcats, Trout felt seized the opportunity to follow him down I-71 South to Clifton and finish his two years of remaining eligibility.

At 6’ 6” and 310 pounds, Trout is a mountain of a man. Bustling with red hair and an overgrown beard – Kyle is a perfect character for Game of Thrones. Often teased by his teammates and coaches for his rugged appearance, Kyle has – very fittingly – vowed to not shave his beard or cut his hair during the 2018-2019 football campaign.  Having a great personality, Kyle rolls with the jokes, and is one of the role models on this year’s squad.

When I shook his hand engulfed in sweat from a hot, tough day of practice on Monday, my right hand completely disappeared inside his lineman glove for about five seconds, only to return when he released his grip.

When asked to tell a funny story or share a memory about Mr. Trout, Coach Fickell laughed to himself and responded, “We better keep those to ourselves – too many to remember from high school.”  Having known Kyle since he was a junior in high school in Lancaster, I am sure Coach has loads of funny tales stuck down in his back pocket.  Having watched my video interview of Trout, Coach Fickell stated “we better have some Photo Shop to fix that video.”

This will be Kyle’s second dose of Camp Higher Ground.  After practice, Trout remarked “It’s a lot different than the five-star hotels we stayed at while at OSU training camp.”  Indeed, CHG is very unique, taking place is rural West Harrison, Indiana at a conference center in the middle of the woods.

Away from the hustle and bustle of campus, CPH has been a trademark of many UC coaches before Luke Fickell. Having revamped the practice field stationed next to the cafeteria and locker room with a bright red beautiful C-paw, I think it’s safe to say Camp Higher Ground is here to stay.  A pillar of UC football to go hand-in-hand with Nippert Stadium.  And after spending some time with Kyle Trout, I can assure you Camp Higher Ground is much more his style compared to some fancy, overpriced hotel.

Kyle’s main goal for this season is to not give up a sack.  He is also looking forward to traveling to UCLA to open the year against UCLA in the football landmark, known as the Rose Bowl.

When he’s not protecting quarterbacks, Trout enjoys to build computers and play video games.  When asked about his hobbies, Kyle’s face lit up, beaming with a smile, you could tell how excited Kyle is to get back to Clifton and play his new Overlook video game after Camp ends on August 22nd.

By Andy Smith

Bearcats TE #83 Josiah Deguara Is Worth Rooting For

August 12, 2018

Full confession: I interviewed Josiah Deguara last summer before the season began and was never able to do anything with the interview…

You see, I used to be a professor in UC’s Business School and Josiah was enrolled in my Business Law course. I felt weird writing an article about someone I had to grade and see three times a week at 8:00 AM.

My busy law practice has prevented me from continuing as an adjunct professor, so now I’m free to write about any player — including Mr. Deguara.

Speaking of him, this season sets up as a potential break out season for Junior TE Deguara. He arrives at Camp Higher Ground the clear leader of his position group. He’s been getting reps almost exclusively with the first team, projected starters.

Last season he showed glints of athleticism and potential. While his receiving statistics weren’t necessarily impressive (11 catches for 98 yards), he proved himself an able blocker and serviceable receiver. During spring ball, Deguara had a couple of breakout moments and showed that he’s made big strides as a route runner and receiver. He combines a big frame and desire for contact, with quick feet and good hands.

Discussing this year’s camp (interview below), he mentioned his two goals of keeping the tight end group’s energy up (as the elder statesman), and helping the younger guys learn the playbook. Deguara wisely observed, “the less you have to think [about where you’re supposed to be on the field], the harder you play.”

This season, UC adds former LaSalle TE Josh Whyle to its rotation of tight ends. Whyle has seen plenty of action early this camp season, running mostly with the second team. The true freshman is proving to be a big target downfield. However, he’s new to the playbook and, therefore, frequently receives “suggestions” (read: yelling) from Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock. Knowing Josiah Deguara’s character and reputation, Whyle has an ideal upperclassman to help him adjust to the expectations and pace of college football.

The opening game at UCLA is particularly exciting for Deguara, who is from Folsom, California. He called the away opener a “dream come true” as he’s expecting lots of family members and friends to cheer for the Bearcats in the hostile confines of Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

You might be wondering whether Josiah passed my Business Law class. He did — with flying colors! I genuinely hope the fan base embraces Deguara this season because #83 is someone worth rooting for, on and off the field.

By Brian Fox

For more, be sure to follow @BearcatsRadio on Twitter.

Full Interview:

#44 Marquise Copeland – Madden Pro, Senior Defensive Lineman

August 10, 2018

Believed to be the best Madden player on this year’s football team, senior defensive lineman #44 Marquise Copeland is wrapping up his last Camp Higher Ground.  A member of the Bearcats Sports Radio All Beard First-Team, Copeland is excited for his senior year under the lights at Nippert.

A word to the freshman – “treat camp day-by-day.”  During his off-day Wednesday, Marquise did not go ziplining.  Instead, he took advantage of the opportunity to rest and recover.

Copeland enjoys getting together with his teammates and having Madden tournaments.  A family man, the thing he misses most from Cleveland is his mother and sister.

Mr. Copeland’s favorite moment playing for the Bearcats is a tie between when the home crowd stormed the field after UC beat Miami (FL) during an awesome night game or his very first start against Temple his freshman year.

By Andy Smith

Here’s the full video of my interview with Marquise:

#72 Garrett Campbell Discusses How To Survive Camp And Win A Crossword Puzzle Championship

August 9, 2018

Standing in the shade behind the massive wooden tower at Camp Higher Ground I spoke to Mr. Garrett Campbell following practice on Thursday while he scarfed down a perfectly constructed snow cone on this blistering hot day in Indiana.  Garrett is always a treat.  One of the favorites to interview on the UC football team, this sixth-year senior is relishing every last moment dawning the red and black.

Senior offensive lineman #72 Garrett Campbell is a mountain of a man.  Under the impression last year would be his last season in a Bearcats uniform, Campbell was thrilled to find out his medical redshirt was granted and he could return for his sixth dose of Camp Higher Ground.

So how do you survive training camp?  In Garrett’s words, “live in the moment.”  “Just take it one day at a time and enjoy the time with your friends.”  Don’t look ahead.  Don’t dwell on the past.  Live in the moment.  Hour by hour.  Minute by minute.  Practice by practice.  And take advantage of your off-days.

Yesterday, for instance, Campbell did not go to the pool or go ziplining.  He relaxed, took it easy, and hung out in Kyle Trout’s room all day long.  According to Garrett, “the best part of being out here is spending time with your brothers.”  Moreover, he was quick to point out there is a 300-pound weight limit for the zipline, and Garret – being the straight-A student he is – didn’t want to test his luck.

Garrett is a role model in and out of the classroom and an excellent teammate.  He has already taken young freshman o-lineman Jeremy Cooper under his wings.  Coming from Chicago, Coop is already 6’ 2” and 295 pounds.  The two worked out together over the summer and Campbell is showing him the ropes to make it through and excel in his first year.  Always humble, Garrett claims Coop is already stronger than he will ever become.

In describing the record-setting freshman football class in Clifton, Garrett spoke very highly.  “I have never seen an incoming class with this size before.”  Also, “there is a lot of athleticism in the wide receiver and tight-end groups.”  The future is bright in Nippert Stadium.

Off the football field, “Garrett is a big video game guy.”  A fan of Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty, and Battlefield, Campbell loves to play his Xbox One.  An academic at heart, Garrett has also picked up a liking for crossword puzzles.

Mr. Campbell is most looking forward to the UCLA game this year.  “Rose Bowl. California. Big stage.”  And his parents and sister will get to attend the game and watch Garrett start.

We can’t wait for September 1st to get here.

By Andy Smith

Here’s the full interview:

From QB to D-End to Linebacker, Catching Up with #11 Bryan Wright

August 6, 2018

At least a two-sport athlete…at least, 6’ 4” 240-pound Bryan Wright is a beast on the field. Wright played basketball and football in high school.  While playing quarterback, scouts took notice of his athletic ability and talents on the football field.

When Wright arrived in Clifton he became a defensive end and put on some weight.  In 2017, he started six games before being lost for the season due to a shoulder injury.  After surgery and rehab, the UC coaching staff decided to switch the athletic Bryan Wright to linebacker this year.  He lost 20 pounds during the recovery process.  Bryan states he never was a big guy so loosing the weight was natural for him.

Loosing Jaylyin Minor, the Bearcats defense has a very large hole to fill.  The former quarterback now has the ability to showcase his skills and play-calling past in the second level of the defense.  Wright says he is also very vocal and looks forward to pointing out issues to the defense throughout games this year.

Wright will keep #11 at his new linebacker position.   He wore #11 in high school and does not plan on ever losing that number ever again.

By Andy Smith

Get to Know Chef / Tailback #3 Michael Warren, II

August 6, 2018

At 5’ 11” and 220 pounds, sophomore running back Michael Warren, II, has a very low center of gravity and a powerful motor.  Difficult to bring down and a perfect compliment to the finesse speedster #23 Gerrid Doaks.  Thunder and lightning had a great start last year.  We are exited to see what year-two brings for Warren.

Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, myself, I am quite aware of the violence and difficulties in trying to escape Toledo for a more productive future.  Football and a strong connection with both of his parents kept him out of trouble and focused on school.

Hailing from Central Catholic, Michael Warren had offers from Minnesota, Kentucky, among other Power Five schools.  Listed as the #2 running back in the State of Ohio in 2017, Warren went 50-7 as a high school player, accumulating 7,619 rushing yards and 105 TDs.  Back to back to back 2,000 rushing yard seasons and holding the school’s single game record of 385 yards.

Warren made it out and now loves living in Cincinnati.  Although he misses Gino’s Pizza and Tony Packo’s, luckily for him, Warrant loves to cook.  When he’s not serving pancakes and stiff arms on the field, you can find Mr. Warren watching cooking shows and researching new recipes on YouTube.  His favorite dish to cook is grilled tilapia, brown rice, and broccoli.  His favorite Clifton restaurant is Cincy Steak and Lemonade and he highly recommends the chicken cheesesteak sandwich.

His favorite moment so far was his first career touchdown run against Marshall his freshman year on a 27-yard scamper.  During year one, Warren saw the field in all 12 games.  He averaged 23 yards per kick return.  He also caught five passes and had 324 yards rushing on 54 carries.

As a communications major, if football does not work out, Warrant plans to be a sports broadcaster.

By Andy Smith

Joe Burrow – UC’s Next Elite Quarterback? This Season? #Burrow2Bearcats

May 11, 2018

QB grad transfers – the free agency of college football.  The quintessential success story of Russell Wilson comes to mind.  He was the face of NC State football – a dual athlete who could play in the NFL or MLB.  A freak prospect in two sports and an upstanding young man.  A player that could – and would – make an immediate impact for one season.

Admittedly, on September 16, 2010, he threw for 330 yards and 3 TDs, leading to a n NC State win over our beloved Bearcats.  Armed with a bachelor’s degree in hand, after the 2010 season, he and his then girlfriend decided to transfer under the grad transfer rule.  Mr. Wilson would be immediately eligible to start the following season, and everyone in the country wanted him.  He ultimately chose Wisconsin.

The rest is history.  Regardless of any recruiting class flaws or failures, Russell Wilson would plug those leaks.  Russell led the Badgers to an 11-win season, a Rose Bowl birth, and a final season ranking of #10 in 2011.  Wisconsin won the free agency contest and could not have asked for a more immediate impact player.

Mr. Wilson would then go onto earn millions of dollars in the NFL, win a Super Bowl, and marry Future’s baby momma and super model, Ciara.

But don’t be fooled – not all grad transfers are created equal.  Does Tanner Lee ring a bell? Didn’t think so.

Luke Fickell was very well-liked in Columbus.  He still has deep roots and relationships with a number of players.  You may remember last year when former 5-star QB Torrance Gibson made the transition to Clifton.  Unfortunately, he flamed out and what could have been never came to fruition in 2017.

This brings us to the case of Joe Burrow.  A pro-style quarterback at Ohio State, Mr. Burrow was a 4-star prospect out of high school in 2015.  Joe was the 8th-ranked dual-threat QB in his class.  He was also recruited to OSU by genius quarterback all-world guru Tom Herman.

He threw just 11 passes last year.  However, don’t be fooled, this latest grad transfer is armed with talent.  At 6’3” and 215 lbs., Burrow is a physical specimen.  And who can blame him for transferring and possibly starting immediately?  As a redshirt junior, he has two years of eligibility left.

LSU, Florida, Nebraska – and yes – Cincinnati are the rumored likely destinations for this free agency candidate.  In fact, Burrow visited Clifton on Thursday this week.

Why UC?

• Established Relationship – His relationship with head coach Luke Fickell.

• Convenience and Family – He grew up in Ohio and played college ball just up I-71 in Columbus.  His father is the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Ohio University.

• Need and Likely Chance to Start – Quite frankly, UC is in desperate need for a talented QB to put the team on his back.  Oh, wow we desperately miss Tony Pike, Zach Collaros, and Brendon Kay.

• Twitter and the Experts – Bruce Feldman and The Audible podcast predict UC is a strong contender.  I also noticed this week, the ubiquitous Dan Hoard started following Joe Burrow on Twitter.

So, what do you think?  Will Joe Burrow land in Nippert Stadium this year?  We sure hope so.

By Andy Smith

YOUR 2017-2018 AAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPION CINCINNATI BEARCATS!

March 13, 2018

It is official folks, the UC Bearcats are not only your regular reason AAC champs – they are also your AAC Tournament champs!  Back-to-back 30 wins season for the first time in program history and UC is not done yet.  Gary Clark is going to need to rent a storage unit if he collects any more trophies and hardware this post-season.  What a way to go out for the senior leader, earning AAC Tournament MVP.

Following a 10-point win over SMU, the Bearcats struggled again during the first half against a red-hot Memphis squad.  Down 13 at the half, UC battled back shooting nearly 80% from the field in the second half.  Playing great UC defense and rebounding, the Cats created a 23-point swing to beat Memphis, 70-60.

Jacob Evans struggled again, going 3-13 for 7 points and 7 rebounds.  Mr. Consistency, Gary Clark, once again went for 17 and 12 and added 3 blocks and 3 assists.  Cumberland led all scorers with 18, and Kyle Washington added 11 points.

This all led to today’s AAC Tournament finale, pitting UC against the Houston Cougars.  UH has come a long way under head coach Kelvin Sampson.  Houston is now a force to be reckoned with, having beat Wichita State in the semifinals.  Coach Sampson has now led four different teams to the NCAA Tournament.

Led by senior guard / samurai / man bun aficionado, #32 Rob Gray, Houston can play scrappy defense and can shoot the ball quite well.  Down again at the half 37-35, UC clawed their way back, to earn a 1-point victory, 56-55 in Orlando.

Lady Luck definitely was UC’s side today.  In the second half – again – UC dominated, holding Houston to 18 points on 20% shooting.  Still, Houston had 2 separate opportunities to win in the final seconds.  UC’s seasoned defense held strong and Houston imploded.

Jacob Evans again had a tough outing, injuring a finger and nursing his right knee.  Going 5-17 for 12 points and 6 boards.  Clark went off for 20 points and 12 rebounds.  Only one player from the bench, Broome, added just 4 points.  This was a very scrappy UC win premised purely on defense and grit – quintessential Cronin basketball.

What a special year for a special team.

Time for the Madness to begin.

By Andy Smith

Weighing 2-Seed Cincinnati’s Chances in March

March 12, 2018

Selection Sunday confirms your Cincinnati Bearcats are indeed a 2-seed in the South region of the bracket.  We projected this before, and boy are we happy.  The difference between a 2- and 3-seed, statistically speaking at least, is huge.

UC is pitted against 15-seed Georgia State on Friday at 2 p.m. on TBS, just a short, 4-hour and 3-minute drive from my couch at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.  I spent my 30th birthday in Nashville and have since attended a legal conference.  Man, Nashville is an awesome city.  No excuses, Bearcat Nation.  Let’s make it down to root on the Cats, eat some hot chicken at Hattie B’s, and listen to some great live music on Broadway.

Below is the relevant portion of the bracket. While the committee always has tricks up their sleeve, this lineup is for all intents and purposes, very manageable.  The Bearcats absolutely have a chance to advance to the Sweet Sixteen or even beyond.  In a storied, memorable year for Coach Cronin, why not add a few more memories?

Evaluating the Foes

The Georgia State Panthers are apart of the Sun Belt Conference.  Led by head coach, Ron Hunter, the Panthers play at the Georgia State University Sports Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Coach Hunter, age 53, was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and played at Miami University. Two players are also from Ohio on their roster.

The Panthers finished 2nd in their league at 24-10 on the season.  They also won the Sun Belt Tournament.  They lost to both Ole Miss and Dayton.  However, they did beat Tulane early in the year.

#15 sophomore guard D’Marcus Simmons averages 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.  He was also the Sun Belt Player of the Year and the Tournament MVP.  Gary Clark is to Cincinnati as Simmons is to Georgia State.

The Panthers as a team average 75 points, 34 rebounds, and 13 assists per game.  They also shoot 46% on the season, but just 38% from 3.

GSU is #96 on Kenpon with AdjO of 109 and AdjD of 101.

What Cincinnati Must Avoid

Gary Clark is on a roll, averaging a double-double and winning AAC Tournament MVP.  Cumberland is playing well.  So too is Tre Scott and Justin Jenifer.  Kyle Washington is adding energy and defense.  However, for UC to really make a run, Cane Broome and Jacob Evans need to significantly improve.

Cane Broome is the X-factor.  When he comes off the bench, he needs to create instant speed and instant offense.  He cannot turn it over.  He cannot play poor defense or fail to rotate.  He cannot settle for three’s.  Run, drive, dish.  Be a blur.

Jacob Evans is clearly hurting.  Just a junior, he is beat up and the season bumps and bruises are readily apparent.   During the AAC Tournament, he was a ghost.  2 points against SMU. 7 against Memphis.  And 12 against Houston.  Overall, 9 of 34 or 26%, including 1 of 14 from deep.  This is a huge problem.  His shots were mostly open looks.  Can he get healthy in a week?  Can we rest him or play him limited minutes?  Maybe even have him come off the bench against Georgia State and start Broome or Moore?  I don’t have an answer, but unless he gets back to being #1, we are in for trouble. Other than that, UC simply needs to play patented Cronin basketball.  Lockdown defense, protect the ball, cause turnovers, and rebound, rebound, rebound.  Any points / valuable minutes from the bench will be a bonus.

Predictions

UC is on a roll.  Beat Wichita State in Kansas – check.  Win the AAC regular season – check. Win the AAC Tournament in a truly gritty, team-oriented fashion – check.  The Bearcats have not lost a game since February 18th during the Wichita State game at BB&T Arena.

I have always been a fan of the teams that get hot and win their conference tournaments, dating back to the old school Big East teams like the Kemba Walker-led Uconn Huskies.   The Bearcats have to be on cloud-9 right now.  The ball is finally rolling their way.  They actually won close games down the stretch.  At Wichita State by 1.  Against Houston by 1.  They came back from an 18-point deficit against Houston earlier in the year.  They again came back from 13 against Memphis this weekend.

Believe you can win.  Proof you can win. Repeat.

Cronin earned a 2-seed.  Finally, the Cats get seeded at a nearby venue.  We do not have to cross 5 different time zones and play on another planet.  This year they will be the higher seed and the favored team for quite some time.

UC will beat Georgia State while resting Jacob Evans.

UC will then play the winner of Texas vs. Nevada on Sunday in Nashville.  Shaka Smart in March scares me to death.  I am hoping Nevada wins out of pure self-interest. However, I am anticipating a Texas vs. UC matchup.  UC previously played and beat Texas in March in 2012.  This could be a deathmatch, similar to the UC Houston game this week, but UC’s senior leaders will come through some how some way.

The headlines will read “Bearcats Advance to Sweet 16!”

UC will then play 6-seed Miami or 3-seed Tennessee for a shot at the Elite 8 the following weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.  Pick your poison. I am taking Cincinnati over Old Rocky Top Tennessee and Butch Jones’ tears to advance to the Elite 8.  Jay Bilas agrees and he has a law degree from Duke.

The headlines will read “Bearcats Advance to Elite Eight for the First Time Under Cronin!”

The Bearcats will then play either Virginia or Arizona for a shot at the Final 4.  Imagine a game against literally the top two statistically rated defenses in the country, the Bearcats vs. the Cavaliers.  This would be an awesome game to watch.  Whoever gets to 50 wins.  By this point, UC is meshing on all cylinders.

The headlines will read “Bearcats Advance to Final Four For First Time Since 1992!”

It’s 2018.  It’s Destiny.  It’s Gary Clark.  It’s Time.

By Andy Smith

Instant Analysis – Sluggish UC Advances to Semifinals Over SMU

March 9, 2018

I am not a fan of noon games, but here we go.  The #1 overall seed Bearcats played the SMU Mustangs at noon today down in Orlando.  Unfortunately, us attorneys had to work so we could not make the trip to sunny Florida.  That did not stop us from taking a long lunch and watching the game on TV.  Thankfully, modern technology blessed us with a mute button.  These announcers were awful – reminiscent of the game at Bowling Green State University a few years ago where a few college interns commentated the game.  But I digress…..

Maybe it was tough to get amped up to beat 9-seed SMU with such high hopes in the coming weeks. Maybe it was the noon start.  Maybe it was the toll the Wichita State game took on the team’s health.  Or maybe it was just an off day.  But the Bearcats were sluggish to say the least today.

Cumberland and Evans combined on 1-8 shooting for just 2 points.  Kyle Washington led the team with 15.  Gary Clark of course had a double-double and a huge block.  Cane Broom had a nice game with 13 points off the bench, and the ever-improving Tre Scott tallied 7 points and 3 boards.

Defense prevailed.  UC won 61-51, exactly in the point-range where UC is so statistically favored over the Cronin era.  SMU with just 7 players ran out of gas midway through the 2nd half.  UC’s staunch D was just too much for SMU to handle for 40 long minutes.

Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS UC will face the winner of the Tulsa Memphis deathmatch.  UC swept Memphis by 48 points this season.  Tulsa is certainly favored and will present a better challenge.

By Andy Smith