Cincinnati Football: Looking into the Bearcats experienced offensive line

Despite losing a lot of talent from last season, the Bearcats offensive line remains intact as four seniors will start under first year position coach Mike Cummings. Lorenz Metz, Dylan O’Quinn and Jake Renfro each return after earning All-AAC First Team honors, while Jeremy Cooper and James Tunstall will continue to protect the left side of the line.

Senior left tackle James Tunstall

Tunstall started the last 10 games at left tackle in 2021 and will look to keep the streak alive as a redshirt senior. Before joining the Bearcats in 2020, Tunstall began his career at UConn then transferred to Stony Brook. The experienced tackle will take up most of the snaps but sophomore John Williams should see the field at times too.

Senior left guard Jeremy Cooper

Following a season-ending injury in 2019, Cooper has bounced back and become one of Cincinnati’s most consistent players. The 6’5, 315-pound senior started every game at left guard last season and helped allow the seventh fewest tackles for loss in the country. Mao Glynn II is also expected to back up Cooper.

Junior center Jake Renfro

Even though Renfro is the lone junior on the Bearcats offensive line, he has plenty of experience with 19 starts in two seasons. The Illinois native was thrust into the lineup as a true freshman in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since, becoming the best center in the AAC. Renfro will certainly play an important role next season alongside a brand new quarterback.

Senior right guard Lorenz Metz

Metz is arguably the most physically dominant player on the unit, standing at 6’9 and 326 pounds, and developing into an elite force since switching over from defensive tackle during his freshman year. After starting eight games and earning All-AAC recognition in 2021, Metz is hoping to end his Bearcats career with another impressive run.

Senior right tackle Dylan O’Quinn

Another big reason why Cincinnati scored a school-record 70 touchdowns was the Toledo product. O’Quinn started all 13 games at right tackle en route to being named to the All-AAC First Team last season and has been a mainstay on the line since 2020. Cam Jones and Joe Huber could earn playing time as well throughout the regular season.

We’re going to continue breaking down the Bearcats offensive, defensive and special teams units prior to the regular season opener at Arkansas on September 3. The next position group that we’re planning to discuss is the linebackers, which will be published on July 12, followed by the tight ends and secondary next week.