As we hit the midway point of the Cincinnati Bearcats’ 2015 Fall camp, the makeup of this year’s team is starting to take shape.
First gigantic disclaimer that I would wrap with neon lights if I could, I know there was some confusion with regards to the first depth chart I put out two weeks ago. That there were “inaccuracies” littering it. Remember, that was a depth chart literally from day two of UC’s Fall camp. Coaches were sliding players in and out of the first and second teams to figure out which combination was best. A defensive line on one day was going to look completely different the next.
So it’s best to use this depth chart as a guide, not the be-all and end-all to what Cincinnati’s depth chart will look like come September 5th.
Second slightly less huge disclaimer, the running back and wide receiver corps are so incredibly fluid at this point, as mentioned in today’s practice report. You can pretty much put anyone of them in the starting spots as they’re so interchangeable. So those players listed as backups (italicized) could very well get first team reps this year. In the case of the running backs, all of them have received significant reps with the ones and it’s basically anyone’s guess as to who will run out with Gunner Kiel in the first drive against Alabama A&M.
With all that being said, here’s what the two deep pretty much looks like midway through Cincinnati’s Fall camp.
Offense
- Quarterback: Gunner Kiel, Hayden Moore, Luke Wright
- Running Back: Mike Boone -or- Hosey Williams -or- Tion Green
- X-Wide Receiver: Chris Moore, Johnny Holton
- Y-Wide Receiver: Shaq Washington, Nate Cole
- Z-Wide Receiver: Mekale McKay, Alex Chisum
- Fourth Wide Receiver: Alex Chisum -or- Max Morrison, Tshumbi Johnson
- Tight End: DJ Dowdy, Tyler Cogswell
- Left Tackle: Parker Ehinger, Korey Cunningham
- Left Guard: Ryan Leahy, Idarius Ray
- Center: Deyshawn Bond, David Niehaus
- Right Guard: Delonte Murray, Will Steur
- Right Tackle: Justin Murray, Chad West
Defense
- Strongside Defensive End: Silverberry Mouhon, Kimoni Fitz
- Defensive Tackle: Cortez Broughton, Lyndon Johnson*
- Defensive Tackle: Alex Pace*, Sione Tongamoa
- Weakside Defensive End: Marquise Copeland*, Kevin Mouhon -or- Landon Brazile
- Middle Linebacker: Clemente Casseus, Antonio Kinard*
- Outside Linebacker: Eric Wilson, Kevin Brown
- Cornerback: Adrian Witty, Alex Thomas
- Strong Safety: Andre Jones, Carter Jacobs
- Free Safety: Zach Edwards, Tyrell Gilbert
- Cornerback: Grant Coleman, Linden Stephens
- Nickelback: Mike Tyson*, Chris Murphy*
Special Teams
- Place Kicker: Andrew Gantz
- Punter: Sam Geraci
- Long Snapper: Kirk Willis
- Place Holder: Sam Geraci
- Kickoff Returner: Max Morrison, Frank Labady
- Punt Returner: Shaq Washington, Max Morrison, Frank Labady, Brayden Beard
*Denotes change from earlier in camp.
Notable changes include Alex Pace, Andre Jones, Marquise Copeland, and Mike Tyson jumping up to the first team defense. Although Tyson’s change was definitely due to Leviticus Payne’s injury, Copeland stormed up the depth chart on his own skill and athleticism. He lined up across from Silverberry Mouhon at the opposite defensive end position with UC’s first team defense today.
Absolutely no changes along the offensive line. None. They’re large, they’re healthy, and they’re ready to push the Bearcats to an AAC Championship this year.
Highly touted four-star linebacker from Norcross, Georgia, and brother of Silverberry Mouhon, Kevin Mouhon appears to be battling for a second team defensive end position with Landon Brazile. Lyndon Johnson has pushed his way into the two deep with Cortez Broughton and Sione Tongamoa maintaining their roles.
Transfers Chris Murphy (Arkansas) and Antonio Kinard (Arizona Western CC) are popping up on the two deep with the second team defense. I’m very intrigued to see how they progress throughout camp and if they can’t fight for starting jobs closer to the start of the season.
Let’s close with the special teams unit which, not unexpectedly, aren’t seeing any changes. Andrew Gantz is still your kicker, Sam Geraci is still your punter, and Shaq Washington is the leading man to return punts. Sorry, this post ends undramatically.