The UC Bearcats defense has shut out their opponents in all four preseason games, a testament to the team's aggressive 3-4 blitzing attack under new coordinator Nate Woody.
The defense, led by linebacker Damaine Wilson, has been impressive in their training camp performances. Wilson, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound transfer from Georgia State, is expected to be a starter and has been learning from senior Jonathan Thompson, who is on the Preseason Butkus Award list. Wilson's goal is to be great, and he strives to live up to the hype.
Thomas Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 315-pound transfer from UNC-Central, has also been making waves with his performance. Johnson had 12 sacks, 49 tackles, and 18 tackles for loss in his previous team and is looking to prove himself in power conference football. "I'm an HBCU guy," Johnson said. "You've got to earn your respect."
The defense has been working on their skills, with Johnson practicing shadow boxing and working on moves around the goalpost. The team has been embracing Woody's 3-4 blitzing attack, and it's clear that they're getting the job done. In an early 11-on-11 drill, defensive player Antwan Peek Jr. made a violent collision with running back Cole Tabb, and both players seemed to enjoy the physicality of the hit.
The Bearcats' defense has been getting a lot of attention, but the offense has also been making headlines. Quarterback JC French IV has been solid, and backup quarterbacks Samaj Jones and Liam O'Brien have been impressing with their run-pass option plays and ability to scramble. "Liam's probably the smartest quarterback I've been around," said co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Pete Thomas. "We have to pull him back a little bit. He wants all the information, all the checks."
The Bearcats' offensive line has also been getting attention, with guard Evan Tengesdahl named a First Team Associated Press Preseason All-American and left tackle Joe Cotton named to the Panini Senior Bowl watch list. Canadian Nolan Latulippe, a 6-foot-8, 315-pound tackle, has been selected as one of the top professional prospects in Canada and will see time at tackle this season.
The Bearcats have had some luck getting linebackers to the NFL, with Ivan Pace Jr. and Jake Golday with the Vikings and Jack Dingle with the Bengals. Now, Wilson is joining the team and is expected to be a starter. Wilson is learning a lot from Thompson and was influenced to come to Cincinnati based on the number of linebackers they've sent to the NFL. "Jake Golday, I texted him before I committed," Wilson said. "I asked him how is Coach Bras. He was like, 'He got me to the league,' so why not?"
The middle for the UC Bearcats defensive line is still a bit of a mystery, but Elijah Gunn, a 6-foot, 307-pound transfer from Southern Illinois, and freshman Jonathan Rulo, a 6-foot-1, 320-pound tackle, are expected to get time. Josh Hough, a 6-foot-2, 335-pound speedy specimen, has also been making waves with his athleticism. "Josh Hough has had a good training camp getting himself ready to play," said defensive line coach Walter Stewart. "He's a college running back, so he's still got some of that athleticism. It's really impressive."
The Bearcats will face their first major conference opponent on Sept. 5, and their defense will be looking to shut out their opponents once again. With a strong preseason performance, the team is looking to make a statement in the Power Four.
Source: Yahoo Sports