The quarterback of the offensive line is our second to last post in our better know a Bearcats position group series, the last being the quarterback itself.
Center was a position that we anticipated would be an area of strength and stability last season. But when senior Dan Sprague was lost for the year with a knee injury and true freshman Deyshawn Bond was thrown in the fray, it threw all of those plans out the window.
Deyshawn Bond (#59): Sophomore
Despite a rocky start in 2013, Bond performed well as his true freshman season wore on. Hopefully the 6’2″, 287 lbs coordinator of the linemen has built on that experience to improve his game. Chances are Bond has. The talent is there, obviously, as well as the experience so I’m optimistic he makes those strides. Now heading into his sophomore campaign, I’m curious to see just how high Bond’s ceiling truly is.
Dominic Mainello (#69): Senior
The upperclassman provides stability and experience at the center position. Despite being low on the depth chart in 2013, Mainello got a bit of playing time when Bond went down for a brief period during the Rutgers game. He’s been a perpetual backup while at Cincinnati and it’s really developed him into the perfect second stringer for the Bearcats. If Bond were to ever go down with an injury, Tuberville and his staff know they have an experienced, large (6’3″, 280 lbs) lineman to take over the reigns in his stead. This is far more preferable to an underclassman or JUCO who hasn’t spent much time in the system.