Before you read on, let me offer a huge caveat – I do not put much stock into preseason accolades. Based on promise and potential alone, I was a preseason member of the national honor society in high school. Turns out, I skipped a lot of classes and didn’t put in much effort. Make sense?
Nevertheless,14 Bearcats were listed in Phil Steele’s publication of note as players deserving attention this fall. I love lists, and so does America! So, here goes something…
First Team PRESEASON AAC Honorees include:
OT Eric Lefeld (Coldwater, Ohio/Coldwater)
DE Silverberry Mouhon (Norcross, Ga./Norcross)
RB Hosey Williams (Miami, Fla./Southridge/ASA College)
Second Team PRESEASON AAC Honorees include:
C Deyshawn Bond (Indianapolis, Ind./Warren Central)
OL Parker Ehinger (Rockford, Mich./Rockford)
LB Jeff Luc (Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast/Florida State)
LB Nick Temple (Indianapolis, Ind./Warren Central)
Third and Fourth Team PRESEASON AAC Honorees include:
DB Zach Edwards (Middletown, Ohio/Middletown)
DE Terrell Hartsfield (Raleigh, N.C./Rolesville/Copiah-Lincoln CC)
WR/PR Shaq Washington (Maple Hts., Ohio/Maple Hts.)
RB Ralph David Abernathy IV (Atlanta, Ga./Westminster School)
QB Gunner Kiel (Columbus, Ind./East/Notre Dame)
WR Mekale McKay (Louisville, Ky./Moore/Arkansas)
WR Chris Moore (Tampa, Fla./Thomas Jefferson)
Again, I’m not sure preseason lists mean much. Each of these young men is going to have to put in the time and effort, and show up on Saturdays. I suspect some of the preseason 3rd and 4th-teamers may just end up carrying the Bearcats this fall.