Cincinnati product and Bearcats offensive lineman Luke Kandra is hoping to carve out a role in the first season with his hometown school!
During his senior campaign at Elder High School, Kandra was the 6th highest ranked offensive guard in the country according to 247 Sports.
Kandra announced his commitment to transfer to Cincinnati in early December and was the first commit after Scott Satterfield’s coaching hire.
The former Elder High School standout played in 21 games during two seasons at Louisville before deciding to enter the transfer portal last year.
Caught up with Bearcats OL @luke_kandra following practice this morning and talked his decision to return home to Cincinnati.
— Neil Meyer (@MeyerNeil6) August 11, 2023
“I told the other coaches, if they’re going with Coach Satterfield to Cincinnati, I’m going with them. There was no stopping me.” Kandra said pic.twitter.com/cJkqOyKgAB
Cincinnati Football: Luke Kandra hopes to carve out a role in his first season with hometown school
After losing several offensive line starters, the Bearcats need multiple transfers to make an impact including Deondre Buford and Phillip Wilder.
Buford elected to enter the portal in early May and eventually revealed his decision to transfer from Kentucky to Cincinnati in recent months.
Kandra committed to Louisville in 2019 and appeared in 13 games as a freshman before dealing with an injury during his sophomore season.
Other offensive linemen that are expected to earn significant playing time include Gavin Gerhardt, Mao Glynn II, Dartanyan Tinsley and John Williams.
Deshawn Pace on his mindset playing that star position for the Bearcats defense.
— Neil Meyer (@MeyerNeil6) August 5, 2023
“The mindset changes for-sure. You’re going up against a 300 pound man, you have to change your mindset. You have to bring that dog out” Pace said. pic.twitter.com/ub1OxK4ghK
Cincinnati Football: Breaking down the Bearcats most impactful players heading into the Big 12
Each day leading up to the regular season opener next month, we’re going to publish a profile for one of the Bearcats notable starters.
Make sure to stay tuned for more profiles throughout the months as Cincinnati continues to approach the inaugural Big 12 campaign.
The next player profiles will be centered around senior outside linebacker Daniel Grzesiak, followed by junior tight end Payten Singletary.
With less than a month until the regular season opener kicks off against Eastern Kentucky, the Bearcats kicked off training camp last week!