Cincy on the Prowl
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Statestify: How Much Is Cincinnati Returning On Defense In 2014?

By Chris Bains

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It’s been a while since we’ve rolled out a Statestify here at Cincy on the Prowl. Too long in fact. So with offseason hitting its lull (ugh, baseball) and nothing much to talk about around the Cincinnati parts in the summer months (ugh, Reds baseball), I figured what better time than now to dissect the Bearcats’ football team.

In this segment we take a look at the defense and exactly what is returning for UC in 2014. There’s been quite a bit of turnover at all three levels but where are the weak spots? Where are the strengths? Hopefully by evaluating each position in terms of returning tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and interceptions we can ascertain those answers.

Obviously this methodology has its limitations. I’m not taking into account raw reps, quarterback hits, or passes knocked down. Nor am I accounting for contributions from new players such as true freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and transfers. However, overall I think this provides a top level snapshot of what Cincinnati is returning next season on defense.

DEFENSIVE END

  • Tackles: 101 (100%)
  • Tackles For Loss: 27 (100%)
  • Sacks: 15 (100%)
  • Interceptions: –

It’s pretty plain to see that on experience alone, defensive end is Cincinnati’s strongest returning unit on defense in 2014 if not the entire team. Of the players who made meaningful contributions in 2013 (Silverberry Mouhon, Brad Harrah, etc.), each and every one of them are back next year. Plus, with another offseason to bulk up, improve their technique, and learning the game in the film room, the numbers above should only improve in 2014.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

  • Tackles: 11 (9%)
  • Tackles For Loss: 2.5 (10%)
  • Sacks: 1 (8%)
  • Interceptions: –

For as much as Cincinnati returns at defensive end, the Bearcats lose almost everything on the interior. Jordan Stepp, Mitch Meador, and Marques Aiken are all gone, taking 91% of the tackles, 90% of the TFLs, and 92% of the sacks from this position with them. Replacing them are several untested players with oodles of upside but have barely played over the last couple of years. Hopefully Brandon Mitchell, Alex Pace, and Camaron Beard live up to the hype and can shoulder the load as starters for the first time in 2014.

LINEBACKER

  • Tackles: 190 (60%)
  • Tackles For Loss: 21 (72%)
  • Sacks: 7 (88%)
  • Interceptions: 1 (100%)

First of all, Nick Temple is a stud if anybody didn’t know that already. The soon-to-be senior accounted for an incredible 13.5 tackles for loss last season, the most of any UC player, as well as 5.5 sacks and the only interception in the linebacker corps. Getting him back in 2014 is critical for the stability of this unit sans Greg Blair next season.

Overall, the linebacker corps is among the most experienced group of players returning to the field for UC next year. Despite losing Greg Blair’s 106 tackles, the unit as a whole returns about 60% of their tackles. Looking outside the numbers, moving Jeff Luc to a more natural MIKE position, which Blair occupied in 2013, should help make the transition as smooth as possible. Luc’s vacated SAM position is a bit of a concern but there are several solid players in the two-deep like Solomon Tentman, Clemente Casseus, and Northwestern transfer Eric Wilson who will generate enough competition here to force the cream to the top.

CORNERBACK

  • Tackles: 64 (66%)
  • Tackles For Loss: 1 (50%)
  • Sacks: –
  • Interceptions: 2 (40%)

The cornerback position took a big hit with the loss of Deven Drane, who graduated after last season, and Trenier Orr, who transferred to Sam Houston State. But Howard Wilder, Grant Coleman, and Leviticus Payne are back and will provide solid leadership from which the youngsters can learn. The Bearcats are razor thin here, however, with a huge gap in experience between those three guys and the newbies behind them. If one or more of them are injured and lost for an extended period of time, I fear what might become of the cornerback position. But we’ll think good thoughts until then and cross that bridge when we get to it.

SAFETY/NICKELBACK

  • Tackles: 164 (74%)
  • Tackles For Loss: 6 (86%)
  • Sacks: –
  • Interceptions: 4 (100%)

Safety and nickelback appear to be one of Cincinnati’s strongest returning units in 2014. Free safety Arryn Chenault is the only significant contributor not returning to the Bearcats next season. However he’s set to be backfilled by impressive true freshman, and All-Name Team standout, Mike Tyson who boasted the second most interceptions on the team last season. Also Adrian Witty and Zach Edwards return along with Andre Jones. Overall, Bearcats fans shouldn’t be worried in the least about safety and nickelback in 2014.