Better Know A Bearcats Position Group: Wide Receiver
By Chris Bains
The Cincinnati Bearcats boast the deepest, most talented wide receiver corps in the AAC. This is easily a top-10 unit nationally with the wealth of options at Gunner Kiel’s disposal. I’d even go so far as to say UC’s expected starting trio, Mekale McKay, Shaq Washington, and Chris Moore, rival what the Bearcats had to offer in 2009 with Mardy Gilyard, Armon Binns, and D.J. Woods running rickshaw on opposing secondaries.
Cincinnati is just stacked with experienced receivers having lost just Anthony McClung to graduation after last season. Entering 2014, only Ralph David Abernathy is a senior with every other wide out a junior or younger. So it’s safe to say 2014 and 2015 could be really fun times for the Bearcats’ passing game.
Mekale McKay (#2): Junior
The tallest receiver to come through these parts in I don’t know how long, McKay averaged a whopping 30 yards per catch in 2013 to go along with his 485 reception yards and 7 touchdowns. This after having about a month to pick up Eddie Gran’s offense. McKay has looked solid this offseason and could be poised for a sensational year on the outside. If there was any receiver I’d peg as surpassing the 1,000 yard mark, the first since Armon Binns in 2010, it’s McKay.
Shaq Washington (#19): Junior
Mr. First Down was the mark of consistency in 2013. He led all Cincinnati wide outs in receptions and established himself as Brendon Kay’s safety valve out of the slot. With McClung gone and Washington UC’s main threat in the middle of the field, he could hit triple-digit receptions in 2014.
Chris Moore (#15): Junior
Cincinnati’s speedy deep threat paced the team with receiving touchdowns last season. He was again Brendon Kay’s go-to target on long passes downfield. Moore will against lineup opposite McKay on the outside and should cause fits for defenses.
Ralph David Abernathy (#1): Senior
By all estimates Ralph David Abernathy is going to be doing most of his damage this season from slot receiver. That’s fine. He wasn’t making waves at runningback anyways except when catching passes out of the backfield. Abernathy should thrive at receiver and give Gunner Kiel yet another weapon to work with.
Alex Chisum (#80): Junior
Yet another talented pass catcher a UC’s disposal? Sure, why not. The junior is coming off an injury that prevented him from seeing the field in 2013. But it seems he’s performing like the same Alex Chisum was saw for glimpses as a true freshman two years ago. The junior has pushed Mekale McKay hard for first team reps and should continue to do so as we inch closer to the season opener.
Max Morrison (#82): Junior
The Kenton, Ohio product performed well last season, catching 29 passes for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Abernathy replacing McClung in the slot, Morrison will continue seeing playing time in 5-WR sets.
Casey Gladney (#8): Junior
I’m really, really interested in seeing how this JUCO transfer plays in 2014. Gladney was explosive at Copial Lincoln Community College and could push Morrison as Cincinnati’s fifth wide receiver or as McKay or Moore’s backup.
Johnny Holton (#3): Junior
This JUCO receiver redshirted last season but I’d be curious to see how Gran works him into the offense, be it as a fifth wide receiver or backing up one of the starters.
Nate Cole (#84): Sophomore
The 6’1″ receiver from Memphis caught 4 passes for 39 yards last season, primarily backing up Washington and McClung in the slot. He also saw playing time in garbage time as a true freshman. I think Cole could develop into a nice option in the passing game down the road for Cincinnati but he’ll continue to work behind the starters in 2014.