Top 5 Returning Players On The Cincinnati Bearcats Offense

Oct 11, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats offensive linesman Deyshawn Bond (59) blocks for fullback Jordan Luallen (10) during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5) Center – Deyshawn Bond

Bond was thrust into a starting role a year earlier than expected with senior Dan Sprague succumbing to a season ending injury in fall camp. It would have been more ideal for the true freshman to learn at a slower pace behind the veteran, coming in at garbage time to get his hands dirty in low pressure situations. But Bond was given the starting job from day one.

Admittedly, he struggled a bit at first. That’s not unexpected for a player right out of high school. But as 2013 wore on, Bond displayed notable improvements at understanding the snap counts, getting the linemen around him on the same page, and holding off defensive tackles. The center is nearly as important to an offense as the quarterback and Bond showed last season that he could become a rock in the middle of the offensive line for the Bearcats. Hopefully he continues improving as he heads into his sophomore year.

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