Redshirt freshman tight end #83 Josiah Deguara comes to the Bearcats from Folsom, California. The only other time I’ve ever heard of that city is in discussing Johnny Cash’s 27th album, At Folsom Prison, recorded live at the State Prison. Deguara was quick to explain Folsom is roughly 30 minutes outside Sacramento and a great suburban place to grow up.
Before becoming a Bearcat, Deguara tallied 240 receptions for 3,274 yards and 42 TDs as a prep. His Bulldogs went 16-0 and won the CIF State Division I Championship in 2014. Like most D1 athletes he also played baseball and basketball growing up. Josiah was a co-captain and starter for FHS’s basketball team and earned a Northern California Championship in 2013.
Deguara arrived on campus at 6’3” weighing 205 lbs. The coaches suggested he put on weight to fit the modern tight end mold and he is already up to 235 lbs., eating plenty of chicken, vegetables, and protein 4 to 5 times a day. His immediate future on special teams looks bright, as well as a role as a hybrid tight end / receiver in Coach Taylor’s offense. Josiah wears #83 at UC. He previously wore #3 in high school as a receiver.
He is majoring in sports administration with a minor in business. Deguara still has plenty of time to figure out his future, but he is positive it will involve his love of sports one way or another. Outside of football, he enjoys relaxing with friends and family, golfing, and boating. He seems to be getting accustomed to the diversity and experience of living in Cincinnati quite well.
Josiah is a Raiders and Lakers fan. He will be rooting for former Bearcat #16 Johnny Holton out in Oakland this year. He is also a huge Red Hot Chili Peppers fan and hopes to see them live sometime soon.
I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty more of the athletic Josiah Deguara in the next four years.
By Andy Smith
Some more fun and interesting facts about Josiah:
1. Caught passes in High School from current starting QB for Washington Huskies Jake Browning
2. Josiah’s former High School coach Troy Taylor is now the QB Coach and Passing Game Coordinator for Eastern Washington University
3. 8 players from Josiah’s high school football team are playing D1 football at Arizona, Alabama, Nevada, Harvard, San Jose St., UNLV, Utah and Cincinnati
Folsom, CA is very proud of Josiah! Not only is he a great athlete, he’s a great person overall. Go Josiah!
The 2014 Folsom Football team may be the best prep team to ever play in the Sacramento Region. That team only lost 2 games in three years (to De La Salle). Josiah was extremely gifted and fun to watch and Folsom cannot wait to see him light up the gridiron at UC. YES… Folsom is proud of Josiah!
So proud of this amazing young man for not only his athleticism but his character on and off the field. Looking forward to seeing some well played games.
Watched Josiah play since he was around 12. Great athlete and good mentor to the younger kids that know him. The future is bright for him! Go Bearcats!