All-Big 12 defensive lineman and Cincinnati native Dontay Corleone recently revealed his decision to return to the Bearcats for his junior year in 2024!
Corleone developed into an imposing force during his redshirt freshman year and will be a significant leader on the defensive front in the coming season.
During his sophomore campaign with the Bearcats, Corleone compiled 39 total tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble en route to All-Big 12 honors.
The Colerain High School product collected All-AAC recognition in 2022 and should continue to compete for All-Big 12 accolades throughout next season too.
#Cincinnati star defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is set to return for his redshirt junior campaign in 2024!https://t.co/cFEiA48aaZ pic.twitter.com/ZVYL5AD7kZ
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) November 28, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Dontay Corleone is set to return to the Bearcats in 2024
After an impressive freshman campaign in 2022, Corleone returned to Cincinnati a season ago and continued to develop into a dominant defender.
Corleone racked up 45 total tackles and three sacks last season, highlighted by a career-high 11 tackle performance in a 20-10 win over Navy in November.
Following a spectacular freshman season, Corleone picked up a ton of preseason recognition and went onto showcase his ability in the recent campaign.
Stay tuned for the most recent transfer rumors and updates as Scott Satterfield’s coaching staff hopes to put together an impressive 2024 transfer haul!
A handful of #Bearcats collected All-Big 12 honors including Dontay Corleone and Luke Kandra! 👏https://t.co/rgRl9zncM8 pic.twitter.com/GdnizZ0U0r
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) November 30, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Bearcats duo Dontay Corleone, Luke Kandra earn Big 12 honors
Corleone was placed on a pair of preseason watch lists in the summer including the Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player.
Kandra was mentioned as the highest-graded right guard in the country along with a handful of notable offensive linemen according to Pro Football Focus.
Others that took home All-Big 12 honors this week are standouts Jowon Briggs, Mason Fletcher, Gavin Gerhardt, Xzavier Henderson and Deshawn Pace.
With an opportunity to play at his hometown school, Kandra opted to follow Satterfield and transfer from Louisville to join the Bearcats just over a year ago.