The Bearcats picked up their second commitment of the 2014 class late Thursday night in Copiah-Lincoln wide receiver Casey Gladney. Scout and Bearcat Journal were all over this one. Gladney was a long-time Alabama commit two years ago through his senior year of high school. But Tommy Tuberville, then at Texas Tech, stole him out from under the Crimson Tide on National Signing Day. However Gladney never made it to Lubbock instead opting to spend two years at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College. Now, a few months before his sophomore year starts up, he has committed to becoming a Cincinnati Bearcat, joining his Wolfpack teammates Jerrell Jordan and Terrell Hartsfield. Gladney is the No. 32 ranked JUCO prospect according to Sleeper Prep after posting a 270 yard reception, 3 touchdown season as a freshman.
| Casey Gladney | |
|---|---|
| Position | WR |
| Height - Weight | 6'1", 177 lbs |
| Hometown | Columbia, SC |
| JUCO | Copiah-Lincoln |
| 247 Sports | **** - 90 |
| Rivals | *** - 5.5 |
| ESPN | - |
| Scout | *** |
Overview
I’m unable to find highlights from his freshman year at Copiah-Lincoln so film from his senior year will have to do.
Gladney operated both on the outside and in the slot in high school. It’s not difficult to understand why. He has the speed to burn a corner along the edge and the size to power through picks on the inside. Gladney’s ability to lineup anywhere makes him a dangerous weapon on any offense. He also does a nice job running with the ball after the catch, being well aware of defenders around him, and avoiding them by any means. Gladney could probably use a bit of refinement in his route running but overall this is an intriguing addition to the Bearcats.
Outlook
Cincinnati’s wide receivers are young but will get loads of experience this season. At this very early moment, Chris Moore, Alex Chisum, Nate Cole, and host of others will likely garner more than their fair share of reps in 2013. As such, in 2014, it could be difficult for Gladney to see a ton of playing time in his first season at UC. However he still has a redshirt to use which I think Tuberville might be inclined to use on him. After a year of sitting out it’s anyone’s guess just how high this player’s ceiling really is.