Cincinnati Football: Hawaii transfer Nick Mardner highlights wide receiver room

In addition to tight ends Leonard Taylor and Josh Whyle being named to the John Mackey Award watch list, Cincinnati wide receiver Nick Mardner was included on the Fred Biletnikoff Award preseason list, presented to the nation’s best receiver.

Cincinnati Football: Hawaii transfer Nick Mardner highlights wide receiver room

After spending the last four seasons at Hawaii and developing into an All-Mountain West performer, Mardner decided to transfer and ended up in Clifton prior to spring practice, joining a handful of skilled pass catchers, receivers and tight ends.

The Ontario native adds depth, experience, length and size to the Bearcats wide receiver room alongside fellow seniors Tre Tucker and Blue Smith, juniors Tyler Scott, Jadon Thompson and Jiair Thomas, and freshman Drew Donley and Lesley Andoh.

Offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli certainly has a lot of talent to work with as the coaching staff attempts to usher in a brand new starting quarterback. Mardner is expected to be a key piece to the offense no matter who starts under center.

The 6’6 tight end recorded a team-high 913 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season, to go with 46 receptions and 19.9 yards per catch in 13 appearances. During his career with the Warriors, Mardner averaged 20.7 yards per reception.

Cincinnati Football: Hawaii transfer Nick Mardner highlights wide receiver room

Recently promoted passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach Mike Brown will have to replace receivers Alec Pierce and Michael Young but Mardner, Tucker, Scott and a solid group of potential breakout candidates should more than suffice.

Mardner will look to recreate the success he had to start last season, racking up 459 receiving yards in just five games, highlighted by four receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown in a road win at New Mexico State in late September.