Cincy on the Prowl
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Cincinnati lands Ohio State transfer defensive lineman Noah Potter

By Charles Post

Defensive players Jerron Cage, Noah Potter and Javontae Jean-Baptiste stretch during the first practice of spring football. The Columbus.
Defensive players Jerron Cage, Noah Potter and Javontae Jean-Baptiste stretch during the first practice of spring football. The Columbus. /
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After three injury-riddled seasons at Ohio State, defensive lineman Noah Potter entered the transfer portal last month and announced his decision to join the Bearcats on Monday. With three years of eligibility remaining, Potter will have a chance to crack the rotation and potentially earn a starting spot if he can stay on the field.

Potter recovered from a foot injury in October but began to have trouble with his peripheral vision, which eventually resulted in season-ending eye surgery to repair a torn retina. He looked healthy and rejuvenated in the Buckeyes spring game in April, recording six tackles and two sacks.

Cincinnati lands Ohio State transfer defensive lineman Noah Potter

Although primarily a defensive end, he has the ability to play tackle as well and that might be a more likely fit in Cincinnati. Myjai Sanders and Curtis Brooks getting picked in the NFL Draft opened up multiple spots on the line but Jabari Taylor and Malik Vann are expected to start on the ends, with Jowon Briggs slotted at tackle.

Luke Fickell will have several others rotating on the line including junior tackle Eric Phillips and sophomore ends Justin Wodtly and Dominique Perry. Alongside a handful of others, Potter will compete for an open spot on the defensive front. The 6’6, 275-pound lineman should get at least 30 snaps per game next season.

During his time at Mentor High School, Potter was a 4-star prospect and the 9th ranked recruit in Ohio per 247 Sports. He committed to Ohio State over Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Notre Dame but struggled to carve out a consistent role in three years as the Buckeyes have nearly 15 players jockeying for snaps on the defensive line.

Potter had three tackles in two games at Ohio State.

Following a couple seasons in Columbus, Potter joins senior wide receiver Blue Smith as Buckeye transfers to end up at Cincinnati. There are several Ohio State connections on the Bearcats coaching staff with Fickell, Mike Tressel and Kerry Coombs so it’s likely the in-state transfer trend will continue going forward.