Cincinnati Football: Bearcats commit Jake Wheelock breaks down Nic Cardwell’s coaching style

After committing to the Cincinnati Bearcats last week, 2024 3-star offensive lineman Jake Wheelock reflected on offensive line coach Nic Cardwell’s coaching style in a recent interview.

Wheelock became the first prospect from the 2024 recruiting class to commit to Cincinnati as the new-look coaching staff attempts to build an strong class around the Dayton native.

Prior to his senior campaign at Stebbins High School, Wheelock is the 55th highest ranked interior offensive lineman and 31st rated prospect from Ohio according to 247 Sports.

The 3-star offensive lineman explained Cardwell’s energetic coaching style and the relationship they developed during the recruiting process were key factors in his decision to commit.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats commit Jake Wheelock breaks down Nic Cardwell’s coaching style

Georgia product and 3-star defensive back recruit Daniel James joined Wheelock as part of the 2024 recruiting class after announcing his verbal commitment to Cincinnati on Monday!

With the annual Spring Game scheduled for Saturday at noon, both commits are expected to attend the event as Cincinnati prepares to host a ton of talented prospects at Nippert Stadium.

Cincinnati Football: Dayton native Jake Wheelock discusses recent commitment to Bearcats

Wheelock broke down his connection with the Bearcats staff, Cardwell’s uptempo style, latest visit to Cincinnati, what he wants to improve on the field and more in an interview with me.

"“Once the new staff came in, my whole perspective changed. I instantly fell in love with Coach Cardwell’s coaching style and energy. He seemed like a great coach and person, which is huge to me. I got offered not too long after the new staff got there. From then on the recruiting staff was really close with me and expressed their interest. I knew a lot of them from Ohio State and they blew me up at Cincinnati. Coach Cardwell was the position coach I connected to the most. His energy was unmatched. They also seemed like the team that wanted me the most. They showed constant love throughout the whole process. The location was convenient, and the staff was my favorite. On the way back from Duke I had no doubt in my mind Cincinnati was home. Every Cincinnati visit has been amazing. They make me feel wanted and the structure of the practices are unmatched. I love everything about the visits I have gone on. Coach Cardwell is high energy and the practice tempo is fast. My play style is focused around being physical and quick. Speed is one of the biggest components to winning in the trenches. I believe understanding my position at an advanced level will skyrocket my production on the field. On top of that, improvement to technique is key.”"