The Bearcats began fall training camp earlier this week and traveled to the Higher Ground in West Harrison, Indiana on Thursday. With less than a month until the season opener at Arkansas, the team is set to stay at the nearby conference center for approximately two weeks in preparation for a run at another undefeated regular season.
"Head coach Luke Fickell discussed the opening of fall camp via the Bearcat Journal: “It was unique that they gave us a little more time for camp. Not more practice days but time. We’re trying to get into the NFL model a little bit where you have more time in between some practices. We really tried to go out there and push mentally and physically.”"
📍 Home Sweet Higher Ground@ChrisScott_01 | @JoshWhyle81 pic.twitter.com/Zozw56jVZQ
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) August 4, 2022
Cincinnati Football: Luke Fickell details the start of Camp Higher Ground
Despite losing a ton of starters to the recent NFL Draft, the Bearcats have more than enough talent to upset Arkansas and compete for a third consecutive conference championship this season. The most glaring uncertainties remain in the backfield with both the starting quarterback and running back up in the air.
"Fickell continued to break down the ongoing quarterback competition per the Bearcat Journal: “We’re going to be in good shape. Those guys have battled and we have some great options. You want somebody to take it. They’re going to make it a competition and I think that’s what’s best for all of us.”"
Year 24 at Higher Ground is officially underway, and the #Bearcats are right back in the swing of fall camp once again. @Dan_Hoard caught up with @CoachFick, @JakeRenfro_, and @tyvanfossen following the first practice in West Harrison. pic.twitter.com/AAFCYAMlzy
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) August 5, 2022
"Even though he hopes to have a better idea on who will take the first snap following camp, Fickell explained that he won’t announce a starter until a day before kick off via the Bearcat Journal: “You’ll probably know maybe Friday night before the first game. I think we’ll have a pretty good idea.”"
It sounds like Fickell is more concerned about the starting running back spot. Ryan Montgomery seems to be the most likely option on opening night but Corey Kiner and Charles McClelland should see significant time as well. All three running backs could get double digit carries against the Razorbacks.
"Fickell also detailed the running back room per the Bearcat Journal: “The most difficult to figure out is tailback. That’s one of those spots where we really have to put pressure on these guys and see what they can do and handle. I think that’s the position where we have to find out a lot of things over the next 20 days.”"