Man Behind The Muscle – Brady Collins

August 23, 2018

It’s 7 a.m. on a Tuesday, he has already gone for a run and finished a lift lifting session for the day.  Now he’s ensuring the team is up and eating a healthy breakfast.  Glancing around the cafeteria to double-check certain players are eating proper portions to gain or, in some cases, even lose weight.

Is Bryan Wright drinking his protein shake?  Did the freshman receivers finish their plates or just go for the waffles loaded up with syrup and whipped cream on top?  Just a few of the million steps thoughts and questions answered every single day of Brady Collins’ life – and he loves every minute of it.

Over the past few years we have noticed an explosion of strength training programs and facility upgrades across division 1 college football.  What used to be just one facet of a college program is now considered to be just as – or even more – important than the X’s and O’s.  Some say the strength coach is the most important piece of the puzzle behind the head coach.

The free market economy seems to agree.  Iowa strength coach Chris Doyle will rake in $725,000 this year.  Nick Saban considers Scott Cochran to be his righthand man.  Scott earned $535,000 last year.  Indeed, a whopping 80 D1 strength coaches earn six-figure salaries.  With some offensive and defensive coordinator salaries crossing the million-dollar mark, this should come as no surprise, and trust me, every dollar is justified.

Let’s be clear – Mr. Collins’ role is absolutely vital to the success of the Bearcats football program.  College football isn’t so much about “the X’s and O’s” as it is “the Jimmies and the Joes.”  And who eats, sleeps, and breathes with the players?  Who trains the players 280 days a year?  Who is responsible for bulking up those talented, yet scrawny, freshman?  Who helped Bryan Wright drop 30 pounds to transition to his middle linebacker position this year?  Why the man behind the muscle, that’s who.

Collins played four years of D3 football at Otterbein College, graduating in 2009.  For those who don’t know, student athletes at this level do not receive scholarships.  In Brady’s words, “you are playing for the love of the game.”  Armed with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, he knew at that time what he wanted to do.

He took an unpaid internship position with the Ohio State University.  Then, he earned an internship with the University of Kentucky.  He helped the Cincinnati Bengals program, during these early years.  He eventually earned a graduate assistant position with UK in 2010.  He did not earn a salary until he was around 26, having to work at Finish Line selling shoes to pay the bills and put food on the table.

“Intern. Volunteer. Do whatever it takes.”  Words to live by.  He lived in a small one-bedroom apartment, paying $400 in rent to make ends meet.  Focused on the future, Collins then worked at Mississippi State before getting the call to head to the Ohio State University.

Brady spent time with Randall Cobb (AKA “Batman”) while at UK and also Dak Prescott while at Mississippi State – two of the most charismatic, energetic football players around.

While at OSU in 2015, Collins formed a close relationship with “Coach Fick,” as he calls him.  When Luke Fickell began to form his staff after being hired at UC, Brady Collins was a no-brainer.

Although there is no typical path to become a D1 strength coach, Collins considers his long, winding path to be the most common in the profession.  Be prepared to move around the country with a day’s notice.  Be prepared to work your butt off.  Be prepare to do whatever it takes.

Known for his “juice” concept and “attention training,” Brady instills a new-found energy in the weight room and on the field.  Loud music every day.  Themed workouts.  Switch it up. Daily challenges.  Encourage.  Encourage. Encourage.

When he’s not training the football team in the Monster fFctory, Collins enjoys spending time with his wife and their daughter.  You might even find him at his favorite restaurant, Tony’s, scarfing down a steak.

By Andy Smith

Tyrell Gilbert – Senior Corner, Pro Fisherman, and Lasagna Lover

August 23, 2018

Senior defensive back #2 Tyrell Gilbert has been around the block at UC, this being his final dose of Camp Higher Ground.

Described as “a bitter sweet feeling,” there is no experience like being at CHG for two weeks “and getting to gel with your brothers.”  Gilbert talked to us about the advantages of having no distractions and just being able to focus on football and improving as players in West Harrison, Indiana.  He will miss the college experience at Camp and having the opportunity to feel each other and get better day-by-day.

Gilbert was very proud to track down Cornerbacks Coach Mike Mickens and drag him into the cold tub after the final day of Camp on Wednesday afternoon.

Listed at 6’ and 190 lbs., Gilbert played in all 12 games last year, starting eight games as an outside linebacker.  He finished 2017 with 32 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

A three-star recruit and dual-threat quarterback out of high school, Tyrell was ranked the 51st safety recruit in the country.  Playing at Princeton High School, he decided to stay home and play his college ball at Nippert Stadium.  Gilbert has worn #2 since he was seven years old and he will continue to rock this number on his jersey during his final year in Clifton.

Gilbert has a three-year old daughter who he spends as much time as possible with when he isn’t on the football field.  Tyrell loves to go fishing, catch bass and catfish, and relax.  He used to fish with Korey Cunningham a.k.a. Big Country before Korey left UC to play for the Arizona Cardinals.  His favorite fishing hole is about an hour away from campus, known as Catfish Paradise.

Last – but not least – his favorite meal is his mom’s homemade lasagna and garlic bread.  I’m sure she will not be disappointed hearing that!

By Andy Smith

#7 Coby Bryant – Breakout Corner and Artist On and Off the Field

August 19, 2018

Sophomore cornerback Coby Bryant hails from famous Glennville High School in Cleveland, Ohio.  A three-star recruit out of high school, Coby was one of the top corners in Ohio.

During his childhood, Bryant developed a close relationship with the Ginn family.  He considers Ted Ginn as a brother.  The two frequently talk and Ginn continues to mentor Coby on and off the field.  Quite fitting, Bryant wears #7 across his chest.

Coby’s older brother, Christian, played defensive back at Ohio State University under Luke Fickell and now plays in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns.  Coach Fickell developed a relationship with Coby over the years, and luckily for Bearcat fans, the relationship led Coby down to Clifton.

Coby is very mature and business-like for just a sophomore.  He interviewed very well and you could just tell he has goals he will check off very soon.  Some of those goals include becoming an All-American corner and helping the Cats win as many games as possible.  Cornerbacks Coach Mike Mickens is thoroughly impressed by Bryant’s progress over the offseason and into Camp.

Watch out for #7 roving around in the secondary this year.  Coach Mickens still holds the all-time interception record at UC.  However, an athletically gifted student of the game like Coby could come for that record very soon.

Off the field, Bryant enjoys drawing.  His go-to meal around campus is Raising Canes, and we cannot argue with him there.

The hard work is paying off.  I am sure both of his brothers are proud.

By Andy Smith

Mike Mickens – A Journey Back Home

August 19, 2018

Mike Mickens was born and raised in the suburb of Huber Heights, just outside of Dayton, Ohio. The 31-year-old is an absolute legend among University of Cincinnati Bearcats fans.

Recruited by Mark Dantonio in 2005, Mickens dawned a #21 and an “S” on his chest for all four years at UC.  He received All-American honors not once, but twice.  The best cornerback in Bearcats history, Mickens still holds the interception record (14) and the interception return yard record (296). He was a strong component in leading the Bearcats to their first ever BCS Bowl his senior season, when the Cats took the field in the 2009 Orange Bowl.

Mickens remembers the brotherhood of those UC teams.  The 2008 season was a fun year to play under coach Brian Kelly.  “Many, many memories,” Mickens said, that will stick with him the rest of his life.  His favorite memory is beating 7th-ranked Rutgers his sophomore year.  Seeing oranges get thrown on the field to close out the 2008 regular season at Nippert Stadium is also up there.

He tore up his left knee his senior year, resulting in an unfortunate, nagging injury that would stick with him the remainder of his professional career.  Considered a possible first round talent, Mickens was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.  He also played briefly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Calgary Stampeders, before retiring from football in 2010.

A tremendously positive and influential individual, a knee injury could not keep Mickens off the football field.  Coaching was a natural transition for the UC legend.

In 2011, Mike became a defensive assistant at UC. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In 2012, he held the same position for Indiana State University.  In 2013, he coached the cornerbacks at Idaho before taking the same position at Bowling Green State University in 2014.

Then, in 2018, Mickens came back home to coach the cornerbacks for the Bearcats in Clifton.  In his words, “a dream come true.”   Cincinnati – the place that helped put Mike Mickens on the map.  Only fitting he should return to help guide a new batch of defensive backs to hopefully break all of the records Mike set, just 10 years earlier.

A talented, young bunch, including freshman Arquon Bush, sophomore Coby Bryant, and junior grad transfer Cameron Jefferies.  The sky is the limit for Mickens – just the way he likes it.

Camp Higher Ground hasn’t changed much since Mickens graced the field as a player.  A new building and new turf on the practice field, but the overall feel of Camp remains the same.  A two-week grind designed to advance the players as much as possible before the season begins.

When Mike isn’t coaching the corners at UC, you might find him scarfing down some seafood for dinner at Pappadeaux in Springdale.  A true Cincinnatian, he loves a three way with two cheese conies (with mustard and onion, of course) from Skyline.  Mickens also enjoys to golf and bowl in his free-time.  On a good day, he can bowl a 180, a formidable score from a competitive man.

Watch out for #21’s familiar face coaching from the sideline this year at Nippert.

By Andy Smith

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