By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 30, 2013 4:12 PM
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A return to the New Media Suite with Tom Gelehrter, the Bearcats director of new media and broadcasting for our first offseason podcast of the year.
We discuss Andy Reid's Bearcats farm system, Travis Kelce, Jermaine Lawrence, Gunner Kiel, Bennie Coney, Mitch Pattishall and leave plenty of time to go tangential talking about Kansas City stories, Tommy G dissing my cornhole tournament plus the potential Skippycast.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 30, 2013 9:29 AM
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Not often we lead off with golf around these parts, but not often we see a tournament put together like the one senior David Tepe put together in Orlando the last two days. He enters today's final round of the Big East championship with a two-stroke lead riding back to back 69s.
The crazy aspect of Tepe's run is how far out of nowhere this came from. His best career finish was a second place as a junior, but now he could go home with his first win on the biggest stage in the conference.
Of course, keep it locked to GoBearcats.com for updates on how Tepe fairs in his final round attempting to bring home the Big East title.
As always, if you have any comments, questions or suggesstions, shoot them to me at pauldehnerjr@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr.
Let's eat ...
--- While we are making the rounds, have to recognize the lacrosse team for their first ever Big East victory, 9-8, against Rutgers. Pretty cool the victory came on Senior Day with senior Katie Kiriazoglou netting the game-winner with 15 seconds left. Crazy how those Senior Day games always seem to play out that way.
The lacrosse program finished the season 7-9, 1-7 and the seven wins are tied for the most in program history. Have to believe this will help first-year coach Gina Oliver move the team in the right direction.
--- Wanted to dip into the email questions today, after receiving this one from Al S.,
"I was hoping you could get the scoop on the Offensive Line for this coming season. There has not been much written about them recently. Perhaps it's because the entire starting line was returning from last year or that we have a new offensive line coach. Anyway, I was wondering who the anticipated starters are for the coming season and who on the second unit might be pushing for playing time? Also, I understood Coach TT to say that they needed to get bigger. How is that going? One more question. Doesn't our new O line coach have some experience running from the Pistol formation? Can we expect to see some of the Pistol incorporated into our offense this year?"
--- Let's open with the starters. Yes, all five starting offensive linemen will be back this year with LT Eric Lefeld, LG Austen Bujnoch, C Dan Sprague, RG Sam Longo and RT Parker Ehinger.
If this group wasn't getting enough ink now, don't worry, that will change in the fall because they will be the backbone of this team. I'd argue they are the strongest individual position group, immediately followed by the linebackers.
As for the second unit pushing for playing time, it will be a battle, but it will probably take an injury to unseat any of the starters considering how well they played last year plowing the way for George Winn and keeping Munchie Legaux/Brendon Kay clean.
The offensive linemen are in a strength and conditioning program just like the rest of the team, and I can assure these guys aren't missing any workouts. With Bujnoch as one of the core team leaders heading that room, everyone has bought into what he's selling.
Texas Tech ran some pistol under Tuberville and there were some glimpses of it at spring practice. I'm sure you will see some version of it next year. How much or how little is unknown at this time.
--- The pundits are eating up Louisville for next football season. ESPN has them as the No. 4 team in the country right now. All about Teddy Bridgewater there, who had some experts talking about a top 5 pick next season. Remember, Matt Barkley and Geno Smith were locks for the top 5 this time last year as well.
--- Andy Katz wrote yesterdaythat San Diego State is looking to push back their game at Fifth Third next season because the difficulty of their schedule due to conference realignment. Good news is the Bearcats have to agree to the change and unless another name replacement is found, I fully expect SDSU to be on the schedule when it's released.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 29, 2013 7:58 AM
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Travis Kelce didn't have to wait very long. With the first pick in the third round Friday the Kansas City Chiefs made a dream come true for the Bearcats tight end.
And what we're learning is that Andy Reid loves the University of Cincinnati. He drafted Trent Cole, Brent Celek and Jason Kelce, also picking up Mardy Gilyard while with the Eagles. Now with KC, he brought Gilyard with him and drafted Kelce in the third round.
Then there was this quote from Reid Friday:
"Seems like every kid we take out of Cincinnati is tougher than shoe leather."
How does Kelce fit in Kansas City? The starter is third-year tight end Tony Moeaki. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after last season, though Reid says he will be ready for training camp. They signed veteran Anthony Fasano this past year.
I've been in the camp that a season under an experience veteran would be ideal for Kelce (or any draft pick really), but this seems to provide that. Moeaki likely isn't going anywhere, though, his took a dip from a productive rookie year (47 receptions, 556 yards) then missing all of the 2011 season due to injury. He caught 33 passes for 453 yards this past season.
Fasano likely will serve as a one or two year safety net in case Kelce doesn't emerge for the Chiefs. But the stage would appear to be set for next year to be the year Kelce could break out as Moeaki's complement. Yet, in the NFL, you really never know.
Elsewhere, no other Bearcats were drafted this weekend, but a number did sign as undrafted free agents. Here's the list:
RB George Winn: Houston
DE Dan Giordano: Arizona
WR Kenbrell Thompkins: New England
LB Maalik Bomar: Jacksonville
--- Have to love the Texans landing spot for Winn. They know a thing or two about the success of undrafted free agents. Arian Foster went undrafted four years ago out of Tennessee but now has reeled off three consecutive 1,200-yard seasons and scored 50 TDs in the process.
Foster is backed up by Ben Tate, but beyond that is wide open. They didn't draft a running back and currently only have those two on their roster.
--- Thompkins fits snugly with The Hoodie in New England. Bill Belichick has never been one to draft wide receivers high and likes to pluck Tom Brady's targets from the odds and ends of the draft and free agency.
Tight ends (Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski), running backs (Danny Woodhead) and converted DBs (Julian Edelman) all helped lead the offense last year. Anywhere where Brady is chucking it, any player can breakout. He'll be joining a cast of Who-Are-They players in NE.
Here's the current list of wideouts: Kamar Aiken, Danny Amendola, Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson, Jeremy Ebert, Julian Edelman, Andre Holmes, Michael Jenkins, Donald Jones, Matthew Slater.
Somebody's got to catch the ball, right?
--- Bomar joins the recent list of UC products to end up in Jacksonville. His old partner in crime JK Schaffer landed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent last year and nearly made the team in preseason before ending up on the Bengals practice squad. The year before Armon Binns caught a TD in the preseason, but was cut before landing on the Bengals practice squad. So, we should plan to see Maalik at PBS around October, I guess?
--- You don't think undrafted free agents play a major role in the NFL these days? Here's the number of UDFAs on Super Bowl teams the last three years:
2012 Baltimore: 18
2012 San Fran: 12
2011 NY Giants: 12
2011 New England: 23
2010 Green Bay: 17
2010 Pittsburgh: 12
Heck, the Patriots 2011 team was nearly half undrafted players. Once you arrive in camp you are a rookie in a helmet all the same no matter if first-round pick or UDFA. And plenty survive, as seen by the above stat.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 26, 2013 9:52 AM
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The first round of the NFL draft went into the books Thursday night without much intrigue, as expected for the Bearcats contingent. Travis Kelce should be coming off the board Friday night, though.
Any chance of him staying in Cincinnati was erased when the Bengals saw top TE Tyler Eifert (Notre Dame) slide to them at No. 21. There aren't too many bad fits for a player like Kelce, if you were weighing the best spots for him to land. If you were looking for the ideal scenario, my top five best fits would look like this:
1. Atlanta: Great team, playbook centered around TE, learn for a year under Tony Gonzalez before he retires.
2. Philadelphia: Isn't this where all Bearcats go? Most importantly, would join his brother with Eagles and play with Brent Celek.
3. Pittsburgh: Quality QB used to utilizing tight end, set to take over for Heath Miller on the back end of his career.
4. Washington: Up-and-coming team using run-pass option at QB suits Kelce, Fred Davis only legit starter.
5. Cleveland: Return to hometown and ability to play immediately. QB an issue, but Kelce would be counted on from Day 1.
I'd also toss San Diego into the mix of great landing spots and I'm sure that city would work just fine for Kelce. Regardless, anybody that drafts Kelce will have plans for him to become a major part of their system. Should be a great day for the Kelce family. And if he ends up slipping into the fourth round on Saturday, that will be a great day, too, for a family unconcerned by what round they're selected.
Remember to shoot me an email to pauldehnerjr@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr if you have any questions, comments or ideas for funneling every Bearcats player to the Eagles.
Let's eat ...
--- Elsewhere this weekend, look for George Winn to be the next Bearcats player to hear his name, probably in the sixth round or so. Whoever takes Winn will be gaining a steal, even though with running backs it's hard to know. Still, to gain that type of production, durability and a special teams dynamo that late in the draft brings significant value.
Kenbrell Thompkins and Dan Giordano will be holding on for the later round selections also. Yet, I'm of the opinion if it's the seventh round, while being drafted would be nice, becoming an undfrafted free agent might end up being the better deal at the end of the day. The signing bonus isn't what you would receive as a pick, but the ability to handpick the best fit for you instead of being shipped into a situation seems worth it.
Look no further than Armon Binns and JK Schaffer, although both picked Jacksonville and didn't make it, they'd shown enough to end up on the Bengals practice squad and set themselves up nicely for playing time. Binns will be in the mix for Miami and Schaffer has a good chance to latch on the back of the roster for Cincinnati this year.
Plus, in this day where such a large number of Pro Bowlers aren't selected, there's no shame in the undrafted tag.
--- In NBA draft decision news, this is a few days late, but Russ Smith will be returning to Louisville. He'll be the preseason player of the year in the conference and maybe the country. The Cardinals are still losing a lot (Siva, Dieng, etc.) but will be the team to beat.
--- If you haven't been out to the Sheakley Athletics Center for an event, this weekend will be a prime opportunity. The lacrosse team closes out its season and will be holding a BBQ Bash. Games are tonight at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
--- Is there anything better forNFL Network's Draft ratings than Chris Berman? To be honest, though, the attempts to make the draft this made for TV event have made it a made for Twitter event. Was more enjoyable following it on Twitter with the sound down on the TV last night than in any year in recent memory.
Some people want to travel for beautiful vistas, exotic cuisine or enriching culture. I would absolutely be down to attend these mascot games tomorrow.
--- Arcade Fire notonly rocks out, they help out. Welcome to our new kinder, gentler world of Rock N' Roll where instead of trashing hotel rooms they rebuild floral shops.
In their honor and to the 6,300 UC students graduating this weekend, here's AF with Ready to Start. Have a great day everybody.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 24, 2013 8:38 AM
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Obviously, all the talk around the Bearcats right now surrounds the Grant of Rights approved by the ACC which appears to shut down anymore conference realignment circus. At least for now. That's by basic logic. Of course, logic hasn't always prevailed in the game of realignment. Money, however, is undefeated. And all the major players seem to be thrilled with their financial plates and now moving to cover it with both arms.
So, where does this leave the program?
Doc wrote about the latest blow and discussed it with Whit Babcock. You can read that here. The column reads as a bit of an obit on UC, one which has been written before in other forms and circumstances. In the case of locking into the college football lottery the big conferences cashed in, the road to that path certainly grew longer. But the path to relevancy, winning and a national profile hasn't gone anywhere.
Basketball is a no-brainer, this effects the conference schedule and little else. As long as the overall schedule is in the top 40 or so each year there will be opportunity to build an NCAA tournament resume and win there. Continue winning there and players like Jermaine Lawrence and the rest of this year's class will continue to commit to UC.
Think being in a top conference is necessary to be a factor in college hoops? See Butler, Xavier, Gonzaga, Temple, Memphis, Wichita State, Creighton, VCU, St. Louis, New Mexico, San Diego State. This list could go on and on. Many of these aren't just relevant, rather perennial powers across college hoops.
Basketball has been and will continue to be fine.
Much thanks to a lengthy email I received from loyal reader, Twitterer Doug, for sparking this conversation. In it, he talks about how all the goals for making a national splash and playing a similar role in the big picture are still available.
These were his thoughts on football:
"Assuming the AAC will be included in the "Group of 5" arrangement, taking the Big Easts spot, this is a great opportunity for UC. Competing for the top BCS ranking with the Sun Belt, MAC, Mountain West and C-USA seems like a very favorable position for the Cats. Once Louisville leaves for the AAC, UC is by far the class of the AAC.
So you're left with this competition (traditionally) for the top BCS ranking:
Boise State (MW)
Whichever team comes out of the MAC
Likely one of the Florida schools from the C-USA
Honestly, probably no real competition from the Sun Belt
I like those odds. It isn't at all ideal, but it certainly does not signal the end to UC's success in football. When you consider UC has probably the 3rd biggest coaching name in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, I think Tommy T makes up a bit for the lack-luster conference. If the renovations to Nippert are ushered along, the Cats keep winning and fan support remains, UC can dominate the AAC and find themselves with a good BCS ranking every year. Will they make a BCS Bowl every year? Probably not. But what team, besides Alabama, does?"
Tip of the cap, Doug. Quality analysis.
The bottom line is every year, you could argue UC will be more likely to end up in a BCS bowl than 75 percent of the programs the newly-aligned power conferences. When you consider the competition nationally, if they were to put together a team capable of running the table and beating a few B1G teams in the non-conference, they'd be looking at a major bowl along with serious consideration for the four-team playoff.
The trade off clearly becomes a conference home schedule with less traditionally attractive opponents. Yet, let's not pretend like the Big East was rolling Alabama and Texas into Nippert every year.
Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Louisville are all nice programs, but as far as on the field success in the last five years how much better have they been then say a Houston, SMU or UCF? They've been better, but the difference is more marginal than most would prefer to admit. Go ahead and take a look:
UCF: 10+ wins two of last three years, including bowl wins over Georgia ('10) and Ball State ('12)
SMU: Four straight years in bowl games, including 28-6 drubbing of Pitt at 2011 Independence Bowl
Houston: Ranked in Top 10 in 2011, going 13-1, beating Penn State in bowl game
Louisville: Enjoyed emergence last season, previously only one shared BE title coming off Kragthorpe disaster
Pitt: Losing record and bowl losses each of last two years, one shared BE title in last five years.
Syracuse: Two winning seasons in five years. One shared title last year.
The perception will be the obstacle for UC, but dominating The American would help squash that nationally while also making for a number of enjoyable, winning fall Saturdays for the Clifton faithful.
Playing in the ACC (or name other major conference here) would be an ideal scenario, but any idea that success and national relevance are out the window in the current format would be misunderstanding the future system.
Send any questions, comments or other thoughts regarding this whole crazy situation to pauldehnerjr@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr.
Let's eat ...
--- Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated came around last week and put together this fantastic piece on Tommy Tuberville and UC. Nuggets like TT heading down to the circus at US Bank by himself are scribe gold.
--- Awards being handed out around UC:
Babcock was named the College Swimming Coaches Association of American Benjamin Franklin Award recipient. It goes to the person whose efforts most promote the student-athlete ideal. Kudos to Whit.
Former UC runner Kathy Klump was named the Cincinnati/NKY Sports Association College Sportswoman of the Year. Congrats to Kathy who closed out her career as a three-time All-American and four-time BE champion in track.
--- Usually the joke sign in front of the bar will read "Free Beer Tomorrow," but UC baseball is erasing the proverbial signs out front to read "Free Baseball Today." A game against Thomas More originally scheduled for Thursday will be played Wednesday at MSS and admission will be free.
--- Ben Affleck and a few others plan to live on $1.50 a day for four days to raise awareness of poverty. It's a great cause, but what happens after that, Benny? You continue to hang in your million-dollar mansion, right? Nice thought, but you sitting on your couch watching TV and eating ramen for half a week doesn't exactly qualify as social commentary.
--- For those hoping this epic 10-game Reds homestand ends quickly, this song doesn't apply. But it's as catchy and fun of a country tune as you'll find. And I'm the last guy typically pushing country. Have a great day, everyone.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 23, 2013 8:42 AM
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Well, Bearcats, interesting day yesterday. For outsiders, the ACC passing a Grant of Rights deal through 2027 came as a surprise. A common thought existed that it was only a matter of time until the B1G went plucking for more and the ACC was ripe. Well, no longer. With the TV rights now connected to the league, no teams will be going anywhere.
Likely true. The ACC still remains a possibility as they deal with an odd conference number of 15, the chance exists to add one or two more schools to set a more workable number. Mandel pointed out how much of a scheduling and imbalance headache 14 was last year for the SEC. A few seasons dealing with those nightmares could open the door of additions.
"Today's news from the ACC could certainly halt or slow down realignment, at least at the BCS level," he said in a text message. "Time will tell. We will keep doing the same thing we have been. Working hard to move UC forward every day and position ourselves as best we can on a national level."
If you have any comments, questions or concerns about any topic surrounding UC athletics shoot me an email to pauldehnerjr@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr.
Now then, let's eat ...
--- I wrote about Isaiah Pead yesterday.Hope you will read the story here. Always a great interview, Pead delivered again when I spoke to him. He's open, thoughtful, honest and always able to share a laugh.
You can place me down among those shocked he didn't enjoy success his rookie year. After watching his career here, he seemed destined to breakout in a league where so many teams seek explosive home-run hitters who can do everything out of the backfield. It doesn't always work out that way. Running back certainly is a prickly position to predict, the hardest in my opinion.
He was clearly frustrated -- with maybe that word not being strong enough -- with what evolved during his rookie season. The door appears to be open for him to still make an impact this year with Steven Jackson gone and the job back up for grabs. Though, I'd expect the Rams to draft a RB at some point to jump into the competition with Pead and Daryl Richardson.
There was much left on the editing room floor from my conversation with Pead, here's a few:
On if he'll be paying attention to the draft this weekend:
"Not really. Just because knowing what I know now from being on that side a year ago and being around that now, that day is definitely important and special for them guys and the organization. But that next day is back to reality and starting back from ground zero and you got to make a name. It's still on you. It's not a given."
On how being relegated down the depth chart affected him:
"That's one thing, it shut me up. I just watched everything from Jack to Sam (Bradford) to Cortland Finnegan. Just watching people."
On lessons learned from veteran RB Steven Jackson:
"He would talk to me and let me know that it's a game within a game and everything is evaluated, on the field, off the field, pulling up to a red light. You are always watched, you are always evaluated. You can't ever let them see you sweat."
--- Solid weekend for the Bearcats baseball team which won three in a row before falling in the series finale against Villanova on Sunday.
Ashley Davis documented the offensive rise of these two freshman catchers from her game observations. Here's her note:
Woody Wallace, the everyday catcher, found his swing again Sunday, going 4 for 4 from the plate.
Russell Clark, hitting in the DH spot Sunday, went 3 for 5 with one run scored. Clark has been hitting well lately. He hit his first career home run against Ohio State on Wednesday and Saturday had a hit to drive in two runs. His batting average now sits at an even .300 in 40 at-bats. Cleary has taken notice of his recent success.
"[He] just really started off slow and I think it took a little while to get comfortable in the batter's box," Brian Cleary said. "But he's done a good job with it and certainly we're going to need to take advantage of that bat."
--- Also, freshman Mitch Pattishall continues to drop the hammer. Since scribes are so often wrong, excuse me if I point out a stroy I wrote that's turned out to be right. It seems Pattishall really turned the corner in his development after the game at GABP. He's been phenomenal since that day. He pitched a complete-game shutout on Saturday in the win against Nova.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 22, 2013 2:12 PM
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After one of the greatest careers by a running back in Cincinnati history, Isaiah Pead surprisingly slid down the St. Louis Rams depth chart after being selected 50th overall. He emerges one year later from a year of self-proclaimed misery with renewed hope to live up to lofty NFL expectations.
In the darkest moments, Isaiah Pead sat inside his expansive house tucked in the suburbs of St. Louis and bounced a tennis ball against the wall. Alone.
He'd lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, music playing, with the loneliness only matched by the frustration.
Pead left the Unviersity of Cincinnati known as much for an outgoing personality and contagious laugh as explosive cuts and game-breaking speed.
Yet, one year after being selected by the Rams as the second running back taken in the 2012 NFL draft, he's recovering from a rookie year spent buried as deep within his own mind as his third spot on the depth chart.
"Honestly, I would call it miserable," Pead said. "Miserable life. Miserable four-five months."
High expectations crumbled to a rubble of humility by the time Pead packed his bags at season's end. The moment the Rams completed their 7-8-1 season with his exit interview, he arranged a flight and wasted no time bolting town and an empty house that symbolized unfulfillment.
"I took off and I didn't come back until it was time to," Pead said. "I just wanted to stay out of this area, I came back for a couple days to pack up then all the memories and walking back into my house by myself, had a couple days by myself, I just needed to get out of that area."
The second-round pick and 50th player selected overall sparingly touched the field, surprisingly beaten out by seventh-round pick Daryl Richardson early in the season, both behind veteran Steven Jackson. He played a total of 42 snaps. Pead carried 10 times for 54 yards and caught three passes for 16 yards. A mediocre half for him at UC, an entire healthy season in St. Louis.
"I was literally fed up with football," Pead said. "Not a quitter, not quitting, I was just tired of football. Tired of practice for the day and I would just lay there play video games and whatnot because it was so miserable, so stressful."
Pead can't explain how his situation reached these ugly depths. He honestly doesn't know. Twice during the year he says he arrived late for meetings, though, those discretions came after the backup position he thought would be his fell to the 252nd overall pick out of Abilene Christian. Combine disappointment on the field with an unattached life off it living away from a social scene, teammates, without a girlfriend and even having his grandparents take his dog back to Ohio in order to allow keener focus.
In uncertain surroundings and football suffocating every moment, the season snowballed.
Lessons like those learned by Pead last season can't be coached. They can't even be taught by parents. They can only be endured.
Long battles inside his own mind stemmed to simplistic roots. Not necessarily his roots racking up 4,009 yards receiving and rushing with the Bearcats. Or even breaking Archie Griffin's Ohio high school rushing records at Eastmoor Academy. His coping mechanism went deeper.
"I find myself taking all the way back to Day One when I first started playing football," Pead said. "I went through progressions with myself. What is going on? What am I doing wrong? What can I do right? How can I change this situation? (Moved) to the point I just stop worrying about it, just went to practice every day. Did the best I could."
He employed the same strategy as Season 2 began last week in St. Louis. Jackson moved on to the Falcons and a wide open running back room awaits with Pead in position to seize the day. Coach Jeff Fisher believes Pead can easily live up to his draft-pick status. ESPN Insider Adam Schefter even pegged Pead as his 2013 NFC breakout player during a recent interview session with Sports Illustrated's Peter King. Despite all that's gone wrong for Pead, the future remains ripe with opportunity.
"He just didn't get a chance because of the other two," Fisher said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, referring to Jackson and Richardson. "But he'll get his opportunity this year. ... He's got a chance to make a lot of big plays for us."
Few understand better than Pead no position comes predestined, no opportunity given. That's especially true for a player with an empty year anchored to his 23-year-old body.
Months removed from the situation in the supportive grasps of friends and family helped provide perspective. He feels renewed and focused on improving his mental approach. Earlier to rise, earlier to bed, more time in the playbook, less time opting for fast food. All small aspects of being a pro which partially contributed to his disappointment.
"Whole new era, whole new attitude, whole new team, whole new Pead," he said.
Humbled and hopeful, Pead doesn't sugarcoat his expectations. He feels capable of breaking out into the player that made him a fan favorite and national star at UC, but admits no matter how hard he tries the decision ultimately rests in the hands of others.
He's come to terms with an unpredictable reality, only prefers to keep blinders on while tracking his personal finish line.
"Now I'm just getting back to what I know what got me here and that's being the best in the workout that day, going home, coming back and giving my best in the workout that day," Pead said. "My goals, I really don't have one. I want to win every day and be the best person every day."
He views the concept of opening the season as the starter more as a complete 180 than desired accomplishment. His goals don't stretch beyond a championship and a chance. Contemplating anything further drags him in the direction of last year's misery.
"I just want to play," Pead said. "I'm not even asking to be the starter, I just want to play."
Touching the field represents the next step toward officially burying those long nights staring at the ceiling or bouncing the tennis ball against the wall. A declared man of action rather than talk, he's finally able to start running toward daylight.
"I'm not going to sit and linger on something, but I am one to not forget about a situation," Pead said. "I am moving on from last year, last year is last year, but I have not forgot about last year. I wouldn't call it revenge, but the chip that I put on my shoulder is just a little bigger."
I want to hear from you! If you have any questions about Pead, UC or any other topics surrounding Bearcats athletics, shoot me an email to pauldehnerjr@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 18, 2013 8:16 AM
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So much happening around UC right now, it's been hard to keep around these parts. Yesterday alone yielded the signing of top recruit Jermaine Lawrence, an announced contract extension for Mick Cronin and Brian Cleary's baseball Bearcats topping Ohio State, 5-3, at Marge Schott Stadium.
Time to jump right into it, let's eat ...
--- I wrote about theJermaine Lawrence commitment yesterday pointing out everyone needs to hold perspective on the potential impact Lawrence can provide immediately. He can be a fabulous player and will certainly play a significant role in the 2013-14 Bearcats, but people need to understand the development of the majority of Top 25 recruits and not focus on the three or four that jump from dominant frosh to the NBA lottery (basically, everyone who doesn't go to Kentucky).
Most college hoops fans believe Anthony Davis is showing up at their school every fall. When he doesn't, that does not mean the prospect who did is a failure.
To piggyback on the story and add perspective here's a look at the 2011 class of Scout.com forwards rated between 10-30 coming out of HS (Lawrence was 19 on their list this season). There were five players who transferred among the 11 in that group, I left those out to keep the situations similar.
The numbers are separated between freshman -- sophomore seasons.
--- Notice, only Cody Zeller, who entered a rebuilding situation at Indiana, even averaged double-digit points per game. Nearly all sat around that 9/10 point mark while pulling down about seven rebounds. At somewhere in the mid-20s in minutes per game seems to be the norm as well and while even Cronin himself doesn't know how much Lawrence will play that seems to be a nice jumping off point. It'd be hard to imagine it any differently.
--- Moral of the story, understand the standard impact by any freshman and that one-and-done frosh explosions are rare as hitting a full-court heave.
--- UC popped the surprise extension announcement on us yesterday at the afternoon press conference. I knew something had to be up when the special podium showed up in the media room.
Many things to touch on with this, I'll offer up three:
1) No, these contracts don't amount to much on paper as far as security in keeping coaches. Steve Alford signing a long-term contract extension with New Mexico in the last month before bolting to UCLA 10 days later.
Cronin said it best: "In this business, you are either getting extended or extinguished."
This contract does not mean Cronin couldn't bolt for another school tomorrow. It also doesn't mean he couldn't be bought out by UC tomorrow. What it does mean is Whit Babcock and the administration aren't taking for granted Mick's pronounced commitment to stay as Bearcats head coach his entire career. This is where he wants to be and has never hidden that fact.
Expectations are to win games and make the NCAA Tournament. No contract extension will change that.
"You've got to be a big boy when you take these jobs," Cronin said. "You have to realize that there are expectations and if you don't meet those expectations you won't be running the program very long."
2)By offering this financial commitment (terms yet unreleased) erased any thought Cronin has made poor business decisions by making known his desire to stay at UC instead of holding it back for leverage. Which he could have done.
Coaches hold institutions up for more money all the time. Watch college football every December as all these coaches with bigtime jobs are caught flirting with other schools and suddenly have raises and contract extensions. It's a way to play the game of big-money college athletics. Cronin chose not to.
"I want to reward that (loyalty)," Babcock said.
In fact, Babcock adamantly pointed out Cronin never leveraged for anything or made demands.
3) Hey, even the Reds' Todd Frazier is showing love to Mick after his deal yesterday.
--- Zach Wells of Local12 brought me in to talk about all the ongoings at UC in this Google Hangout last night. Love how relaxed Google went with this product name. Just two dudes hanging out, staring at each other's faces. Easy like Sunday morning. If you have time, pop over to their page to check out the rest of the Hangoutsthey have done, informative stuff.
Regardless, was a good conversation about many of the topics you are reading about now. Plus, you can soak in the breathtaking home decor of my house.
--- Not to promote this too early, but I recently spoke this week with the guy who George Winn replaced last season, Isaiah Pead. Great interview as always and it was incredibly interesting to hear his perspective on a rookie season that fell far shy of expectations. A humbling turn of events for the #BestPlayerOnTheField. Look for that next week.
--- I never got the chance to discuss the transfer of Pat O'Donnell. Tough break for the Bearcats, on top of being a big fan of POD the person, he could really boot it. His kickoffs will be missed probably more than his punting.
Pat ranked top 20 in average yards per kickoff (63.4) and percentage of touchbacks (48 percent). When the ball doesn't get into the end zone, bad things can happen. Remember Toledo?
He's moving closer to his family in Miami (Fla.) as he transfers to The U and will likely do well down there. The Bearcats have options at punter with CHCA grad John Lloyd next on the depth chart, but Tommy Tuberville will also be bringing some folks in for a tryout.
This young team seems to be gaining slightly more confidence every game. That was going to be the plan at the beginning of the year to be hitting a stride with so many freshman by the end of the season and with wins like this they continue to be on their way.
More than all that, how about the crowd of nearly two grand at MSS last night. Great night for baseball and great atmosphere.
--- Typically, I open my blog on this day every year celebrating one of my favorite holidays of all time, but with all this UC news, had to push it down here.
Happy National High-5 Day everyone!
Third Thursday in April every year and I plan on breaking out the high-5s all over the place. And I don't want this to disregard the low-5, it has it's place and we shouldn't discriminate on this day of all days. So, slip some skin, hit the 80s sitcom freeze frame, or wind around for the double-up, just remember to distribute those 5s!
--- Because it's always my favorite NH5D video, here it is. Starting to get outdated, but I just don't care. Celebrate high third-quarter earnings! Have a great NH5D everyone.
By Paul Dehner Jr. on April 17, 2013 11:13 AM
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Mick Cronin didn't hold back. He didn't need to. With top prospect Jermaine Lawrence officially in the fold for Bearcats basketball, he didn't need to hesitate when discussing a recruiting class now ranked among the Top 25 nationally by numerous services.
"By far the best recruiting class I've had as the head coach," Cronin said.
That's with much thanks to Lawrence, who verbally committed in Feb. 3, but officially signed his letter of intent on the first day of the late signing period Wednesday. The 6-foot-9, 200-pound forward arrives as the do-it-all specialist who provides the offensive depth on the interior the team searched for and never consistently found last season.
Around the rim he's polished. He finishes, dishes and creates matchup problems with his versatility. On defense, he can block shots with the best of them and play three different positions. Sure, he was ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect in the country by Scout.com, but rankings can be misleading, right? Yes. What's not misleading is his county championship game as a junior when Lawrence scored 25 points with 15 rebounds and 15 blocks.
He turned into a double-double machine that junior year when he averaged 18.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 6.4 blocks at Pope John Paul XXIII HS (N.J.). Suffering through a tendon injury that derailed his senior season, his stats dipped to 13.3 points and 7.5 rebounds but he will arrive at UC 100 percent healthy.
The potential is clear.
"He can win a game for you with points," Cronin said. "He can pass, he can rebound, feel for the game, he can defend three positions, he can block shots. He understands how to play."
Searching for comparisons within the history of the program, Cronin couldn't pinpoint one. He's hard to match with players of the past at UC, he's very much of the future mold Cronin has envisioned since taking over seven years ago. His length, versatility and athleticism on the court more correlates to Thursday night's on TNT than grainy UC flashback videos on YouTube.
Cronin said by the looks of him, he resembles Kenyon Martin in many ways, but he doesn't play like him.
"He's a way more skilled offensive player at this point in his career than Kenyon was, if he can get Kenyon's ferociousness then he will not be here very long," Cronin said with a smile. "Which would be OK with me."
The kid can play, no doubt. The question for UC next year is how to gauge his possible instant impact. Thrusting freshmen into the lineup can be a risky maneuver and Cronin repeatedly stumps about veteran teams being the key to sustained success. Lauding praise and expectations can stunt growth and be emphatically unfair to the incoming player. Cronin's taken the development of freshmen with caution as his team depth built during the run of three straight NCAA tournament berths.
When Lance Stephenson and Cashmere Wright debuted together as freshman in 2009 they averaged a combined 47 minutes per game because other options were limited. You can see how the leading freshman in minutes has been much lower in recent years.
2012-13: Shaq Thomas: 10.8
2011-12: Ge'Lawn Guyn: 10.1
2010-11: Sean Kilpatrick: 20.6
2009-10: Lance Stephenson: 28.2
2009-10: Cashmere Wright: 18.5
It would be unfair on signing day to speculate how many minutes Lawrence will play this year and not at all the point in this case. What should be noted is the delicate balance necessary between asking for impact and allowing a player to develop naturally.
Cronin plans to be cautious in not only placing expectations on Lawrence -- something us media types will do enough of -- but in forcing him into an atmosphere where will be a central figure immediately.
"It would be grossly unfair to ask whether it be Jermaine Lawrence or Kevin Johnson or Troy Caupain to come in and be a savior in any way, shape or form," Cronin said. "I will guard against that happening. Jermaine gets the illustrious tag of being the highest rated recruit; I told him you get a box of popcorn with that, too.
"That doesn't translate to immediate success at our level. That doesn't translate to the NBA Draft lottery. Life starts over. You get your first elbow in the chest then we are going to see who gets to contribute the most as a freshman."
Across the country the demand for freshman to become an All-American has grown exponentially over the past decade with everyone on a timetable to the NBA, but that's rarely the path to true success.
Take a look at the 2013 All-Americans, for instance. Not a freshman on the first team -- three juniors and two sophomores. The second team featured freshmen Ben McLemore (Kansas) and Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State), but they come as rare cases. That's the misconception with the early-entry, one-and-done binge. Everyone looks at the select few who end up as lottery picks and misses the vast majority who develop naturally and effectively.
Big East Player of the Year and first team AA Otto Porter went from averaging 10 and 7 his freshman year to 16 and 8 this past season. Teammate on the AA, Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk, didn't average more than six points until his junior season this year.
Would UC like Lawrence or Caupain or Johnson, etc., to become All-American? Of course, they'd be the first one to do so since Steve Logan. But to expect him or anyone else in this talented freshman class to make that type of instant impact and take all the pressure off Sean Kilpatrick the minute they walk on campus would be misleading and misinformed.
Lawrence can be a productive player and supporting asset to this team this year in Cronin's eyes, but he won't be forced into more than that until he's clearly ready. The coach will be sure of that.
"He has a chance to have a great career, how soon is a matter of how quickly he or any of the guys adjust," Cronin said. "I don't want any undue pressure on Jermaine Lawrence coming in here. I want him to stay focused on developing and becoming part of our team, whatever shakes out shakes out for him."
Cronin completed that statement, before being sure to quickly add an important tagline.
"But he's definitely capable of making an impact."
I want to hear from you! What do you think of the Jermaine Lawrence signing, Mick's extension or any other development around UC? Shoot me an email with comments or questions to pauldehnerjr@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @pauldehnerjr.
By Dan Hoard on April 16, 2013 10:04 PM
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It you want to see former UC standout George Winn
flash an ear-to-ear smile, all you have to do is mention a certain
helmet-haired NFL draft expert.
"Mel Kiper," said a grinning Winn."Every time he mentions me it's something
positive.
"I get excited every time he gives me a shout-out.I really appreciate it."
The ESPN analyst has been singing Winn's praises in
recent interviews previewing the upcoming NFL draft.
"A guy that I think will be a great 5th or 6th round
pick -- you're always looking for that next Alfred Morris -- is George Winn at
Cincinnati," Kiper told reporters."George
Winn, for me, is a very underrated player who I thought definitely showed the
capability of being a guy who can contribute in the National Football League as
a nice late-round pick."
Morris, who is listed at the exact same size as Winn
(5'10", 218), was selected in the sixth round by Washington last year and had a
sensational rookie season, setting the Redskins' single-season rushing record
with 1,613 yards.
"It's a privilege to be compared to someone who had
that great of a season." said Winn.
The Redskins' rookie - who played college ball at
Florida Atlantic - saw his draft stock dive when he ran the 40-yard dash in
4.67 seconds at the NFL scouting combine.Of the 44 running backs that ran in 2012, 33 posted faster times.
"I had a tight hamstring at the combine," Winn told
me."The couple of weeks I had to
prepare before my Pro Day helped me to improve the strength and health of my
hamstring which really helped me run a better 40."
In his March 13th Pro Timing Day at
Cincinnati, Winn improved his time in the 40-yard dash to 4.53.
"They say it doesn't matter much and you shouldn't
put much emphasis on it, but if it wasn't that important they wouldn't have us
doing it," said Winn."So it's clearly
important."
Winn took part in the Bengals workout for local
prospects on Tuesday at Paul Brown Stadium, and since he grew up near Detroit,
George will participate in a similar workout with the Lions on Wednesday.What is he hearing from NFL scouts?
"They like my running style, how I pass protect,
they like my special teams value, so I'm pretty excited," said Winn."I'm excited to get out here and prove what I
can do."
One year ago, nobody would have expected NFL teams
to have George Winn on their draft boards.In his first three years with the Bearcats, George never carried the
ball more than 40 times in a season. But following the departure of All-Big
East running back Isaiah Pead, Winn had a monster season in 2012, carrying 243
times for 1,334 yards and 13 TD.
"It's surreal," said Winn."To come from where I came from and to be
where I am now is amazing.It's a
blessing.
"I always go back to my freshman year when I was
dead last on the depth chart.I started
at the very bottom and worked my way up to the top."
And if you believe Mel Kiper, Winn isn't finished
climbing.
"You think about what George Winn is physically, and moving forward, I think he can hold up in this league," Kiper told reporters. "He's five-foot-10-and-a-half, almost 220 pounds, and played a lot faster than (his 40-yard dash time). I think he's got a chance to be a guy that could help your football team."
I pointed out to Winn on Tuesday that Mel Kiper is a
great guy to have in your corner at draft time.
"He definitely is," George agreed with a laugh.
Has Winn met the nation's most famous draft analyst?
"I haven't," said Winn."I'm looking forward to it.I'm going to thank him a lot."
