Cincinnati Football: Five players to watch in regular season opener

There is going to be a ton of talent on the field when the Cincinnati football team takes on Arkansas this Saturday as both programs have future NFL players and quality starters on their side. Check out five players that will have a major impact in the opener.

Cincinnati Football: Five players to watch in regular season opener

1) Ben Bryant (Cincinnati quarterback)

It sounds like Bryant is expected to start over sophomore Evan Prater and he’ll have plenty of pressure on his shoulders early on. After starting at Eastern Michigan, the senior quarterback has more experience than Prater but both might play. If the Bearcats are able to upset Arkansas, Bryant will have to be tuned in and on target.

2) Raheim Sanders (Arkansas running back)

The Razorbacks had the 7th best rushing attack in the nation last season and quarterback KJ Jefferson is a dangerous threat. Junior running back Dominique Johnson is recovering from a knee injury and will miss the opener but sophomore Rocket Sanders is just as explosive. Shutting him down will be a key factor for the Bearcats.

3) Jalen Catalon (Arkansas safety)

No matter which quarterback is on the field for Cincinnati, the Razorbacks defense will be focused on creating chaos and limiting big plays. Catalon is one of the best defensive players in the SEC and consistently forces quarterbacks into bad decisions. The Bearcats have to attack when it’s available and know where Catalon is at all times.

4) Jabari Taylor (Cincinnati defensive end)

There are other Bearcats that could be in this spot including Jowon Briggs, Arquon Bush, Deshawn Pace, Ivan Pace and Malik Vann but Taylor is as important as any defender. The graduate edge rusher has more than enough speed and strength to create problems for Arkansas. Taylor racked up 29 tackles and two sacks a year ago.

5) Trey Knox (Arkansas tight end)

Jefferson is obviously one of the most important players in the season opener and Knox will be his safety blanket in the passing game. After losing four receivers from last year, the senior tight end should have a major role against the Bearcats. Oklahoma transfer receiver Jadon Haselwood is also expected to be a consistent contributor.

Honorable mentions

Cincinnati is filled with potential difference makers including Arquon Bush, Wilson Huber, Ryan Montgomery, Dylan O’Quinn, Tre Tucker, Malik Vann and more. Bumper Pool and Drew Sanders are a couple other Arkansas defenders to note.