Top 5 Returning Players On The Cincinnati Bearcats Offense

Nov 9, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Mekale McKay catches a pass and runs in for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

3) Wide Receiver – Mekale McKay

The Arkansas transfer joined Cincinnati’s team at the last minute and as a result it took him a while to get up to speed in his new offense. While McKay started off slow, catching 5 balls for 94 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first six games, the 6’6″ wide receiver finished strong, catching 11 passes for 391 yards and 4 touchdowns in his final seven. The rapport he developed with Brendon Kay brought an element of stretching the defense vertically that helped take the pressure off of Cincinnati’s struggling running game. Defenses had to literally commit two players every play to keep an eye on McKay should Eddie Gran opt to send him deep.

With a year under his belt in UC’s system, Mekale McKay could become the first Bearcats receive since Armon Binns in 2010 to surpass the 1,000 yard mark. The key is developing the same connection with Gunner Kiel as he did with Kay during the back half of 2013. If McKay and Kiel can get on the same page early, they could develop into the most dangerous tandem in the AAC.

Remember to like Cincy on the Prowl on Facebook and follow Cincy on the Prowl on Twitter.