Top 5 Returning Players On The Cincinnati Bearcats Defense

Nov 23, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Nick Temple (43) and defensive end Terrell Hartsfield (95) celebrate after a defensive play during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2) Nick Temple

Arguably #1 and #2 on this list are interchangeable, but the best returning player on this team in 2014 edges out Nick Temple based on stats alone. You’ve probably already guessed who that person is (it rhymes with Wilberferry Flobahn) but for now let’s focus on Cincinnati’s strongside linebacker.

Nick Temple tragically wasn’t named to any 2014 preseason award watch list. Now, they mean very little at this time of the year but you would think after his 79 tackle, 13.5 tackle for loss, 5.5 sack performance last season he would have gotten some love from the selection committees. But that only means he’s undervalued in the national eye, much unlike on this football team. Temple is slightly undersized for a linebacker, coming in at 5’10” and 218 lbs. He is after all a converted strong safety. But Temple plays bigger than his size and utilizes his speed to chase down ball carriers. The amount of field he covers in such a short time makes it difficult for teams to run the ball in his direction. Thank goodness Cincinnati gets him for another season.

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