Cincinnati Football: 3 sophomores that need to step up this season

The Cincinnati Bearcats are hoping to win a third consecutive American Conference championship and several underclassmen will have an opportunity to crack the rotation and make a consistent impact. Todd Bumphis, Corey Kiner and Jaheim Thomas are three sophomores that I’m expecting to have breakout seasons in 2022.

Todd Bumphis (Sophomore Cornerback)

2021 stats: 8 tackles, 1 pass deflection in 5 games

After taking a redshirt during his freshman season in 2020, Bumphis appeared in all 14 games last year and showed why he is capable of being a starter going forward. The 6’0 cornerback compiled three tackles and one TFL in the win at Notre Dame before totaling eight tackles and one pass breakup against SMU. Since Arquon Bush is expected to start at cornerback, Bumphis will compete with Sammy Anderson and Ja’quan Sheppard on the opposite side.

Corey Kiner (Sophomore Running Back)

2021 stats: 324 yards, 4.1 per carry, 2 TD in 11 games

The Bearcats brought in former LSU running back and Cincinnati native Corey Kiner from the transfer portal last month, adding depth to the backfield alongside Ryan Montgomery, Charles McClelland and Ethan Wright. Kiner ranks third all-time in Ohio high school football history with 116 rushing touchdowns and 10th all-time with 7,130 rushing yards. He was also the second-best rusher on LSU last year with 324 yards and two touchdowns.

Jaheim Thomas (Sophomore Linebacker)

2021 stats: 23 tackles, 0.5 sacks in 8 games

Wilson Huber and Ty Van Fossen are projected to start at middle and strong linebacker next season so the weakside linebacker remains open with Jaheim Thomas looking like the most realistic option. Thomas played 12 games last year and totaled 23 tackles including a career-high seven tackles against UCF. If he can continue to impress the staff prior to the season then Thomas could become a major factor in the Bearcats defense.

Cincinnati is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball but there is still going to be an adjustment period as players get used to new positions during the offseason. Bumphis, Kiner and Thomas are three sophomores that I think need to be playing at a high level in order for the Bearcats to compete for a championship.