Cincinnati Football: Keyshawn Helton brings dynamic speed to Bearcats receiving corps

Florida State senior slot receiver Keyshawn Helton announced his decision to join the Bearcats yesterday and will bring game-changing speed to Scott Satterfield’s offense next season.

Check out a handful of highlights from the former Seminoles receiver including a 58-yard touchdown reception in the regular season opener against Boise State in 2019.

Midway through his sophomore year, Helton suffered a season-ending injury in the midst of his most productive campaign with 239 receiving yards and three touchdowns in six games.

Even though it was a long recovery, the Florida native was able to return the next fall. In his first appearance since the knee injury, Helton caught a 3-yard touchdown against Georgia Tech.

Cincinnati Football: Keyshawn Helton brings dynamic speed to Bearcats receiving corps

It was important for the Bearcats to add receiver depth after losing the top eight leading receivers from last year, and Helton’s experience and speed will help transition into the Big 12.

After returning from the injury, Helton racked up 32 catches for 397 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 18 games including a leaping touchdown catch against Jacksonville State.

During his time in Tallahassee, Helton showed off his dynamic catch radius and elite speed, highlighted by an impressive touchdown reception in a narrow win over Syracuse in 2021.

Helton totaled 61 catches for 819 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in four years at Florida State but only appeared in two games this season before entering the portal in December.

Cincinnati Football: Florida State transfer slot receiver Keyshawn Helton commits to Bearcats

Following his senior season, the former Florida State slot receiver entered the transfer portal last month and eventually committed to Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon via Twitter.

In addition to being a dangerous slot receiver, the Bearcats latest commit was a kick and punt returner at Florida State. Helton will likely be a candidate to return kicks next season.

Despite missing out on a few targets, Cincinnati added five potential starters from the portal and hope to add more in the coming days after getting a commitment from Helton on Wednesday.

Utah State defensive end Daniel Grzesiak and Western Illinois offensive lineman Sidney Fugar took an official visit to Clifton yesterday and are potential additions for the Bearcats going forward.