Oct 5, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Mekale McKay (2) is congratulated by teammates after he scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
On paper, Cincinnati’s offense could be as dangerous as last year, especially with offensive coordinator Eddie Gran continuing with the spread schemes that lifted the team in 2013. The X-Factor is new quarterback Gunner Kiel, who has never once taken a snap in a live collegiate football game. The tools are obviously there and he impressed at Cincinnati’s spring game a couple of months back. But if UC’s offense is to capitalize on the what it did during the back two-thirds of 2013, Gunner Kiel has to live up to his hype.
The good news is that stability at key positions should make the transition as smooth as possible. Nearly every player on a dangerous receiving corps last season is back as well as the runningbacks. Only Anthony McClung has moved on to get his feet wet in the NFL. Additionally, the offensive line returns several starters on a unit that battled injuries in 2013 but it provided the opportunity to get experience for the younger players. This has resulted in an overall stronger two-deep along the offensive front in 2014.
But who are the five most important returning players to Cincinnati’s offense? It’s a difficult task to take on, for sure, but we’ll do our best. Click through to see who we picked as UC’s top five returning offensive players for 2014.
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