TicketsJuly 28, 2006
This is the first in an eight-part series, previewing the University of Cincinnati football team as it prepares to open fall practice on Aug. 7. In this installment, head coach Mark Dantonio offers his thoughts on the 2006 edition of the Bearcats.
Experience will be a major factor for the University of Cincinnati as it begins its second season in the BIG EAST Conference.
Thirty of the 44 players on last year's depth chart had one season or less of Division I-A experience. The Bearcats played 10 first-year freshmen, six of whom made starts. Though the 2006 squad will be a sophomore-junior dominated team, UC will have starters returning at 17 positions, and an extensive corps of 44 lettermen from which to draw for their second season of play in the BIG EAST.
The impact of this playing experience should be evident both on offense, which was led by a redshirt freshman quarterback last season, and defense, where Cincinnati relied on nine first-year players most of last year.
"We now have two full recruiting classes, and we are seeing daily the positive effects of our new facilities, our membership in the BIG EAST Conference and our BCS affiliation," stated UC head coach Mark Dantonio.
"We were a very young and inexperienced football team in 2005, and it showed," Dantonio noted. "This is not the case this year. We have experienced depth at just about every position."
Two of last year's rookie defenders, cornerback Mike Mickens and outside linebacker Corey Smith, return as stalwarts after earning Freshman All-American honors and berths on the All-BIG EAST Conference second team.
Veterans will also play a considerable role. Brent Celek, a John Mackey Award candidate, will be a focal point of the passing attack from his tight end position, with fellow senior Bill Poland providing leadership at wide receiver. A trio of seniors--Kevin McCullough, who led the 2005 Bearcats with his tough and determined play at middle linebacker; Antoine Horton, a two-year starter at cornerback; and Dominic Ross, a regular contributor at strong safety the past two years--along with junior Haruki Nakamura, a hard-hitting free safety who led the 2005 squad in tackling, will be the anchors of a still young, but evolving defense.
"Offensively, we need to be multi-dimensional," Dantonio explained. "We have valuable experience back at about every position, unlike in 2005. We need to run the ball consistently, protect the quarterback and create big plays.
"Overall, our defense is much improved, the coach continued. "We started five freshmen throughout the season in 2005 and were able to develop experience. We need to find play-makers. We need to stop the run and eliminate the big play. Last year, we didn't get enough turnovers, and our lack of experience hurt us in this area. We need to become a more opportunistic team in 2006."
The UC coaches have bolstered the talent level of the team with another quality class of recruits, some of whom will have an immediate impact. The big difference from 2005 is that the Bearcats will not be forced to rush these newcomers onto the playing field.
The BIG EAST, one of six member conferences in the Bowl Championship Series, will provide the staple of competition for the Bearcats, who will have the challenge of facing league powers West Virginia and Louisville on the road. Cincinnati's non-conference schedule is difficult with visits to Top 10 contenders Ohio State and Virginia Tech. The Bearcats will face seven teams that played in bowl games in 2005.
Coach Dantonio CommentsOverview of 2006
"Last year, we worked to gain valuable experience as both players and coaches in our first year of BIG EAST competition. We return players who made significant contributions at virtually all positions and are continuing to build on that foundation. There will continue to be opportunities for young players to impact the future of our program. Consequently, with that opportunity will come responsibility."
Challenges Facing UC in 2006
"We enter 2006 with a challenging schedule that will again be one of the nation's toughest. Unlike last year, we have players who have begun to establish themselves with their play and experience. We will play seven games at home, including games against four BIG EAST members. Games vs. Miami of Ohio and Louisville will as always be critical to our program's overall success. A key to our success will again be how we handle adversity. Football has become a game of inches. Anyone can rise to the top depending on what kind of foundation they build through their summer camp and early season games."
The Impact of the BIG EAST and BCS
"The BIG EAST Conference makes us the only other Bowl Championship Series team in the state of Ohio. It creates national exposure and gives us a base for our recruiting while bringing college football at its highest level to the Cincinnati area. The BIG EAST allows our vision to become a reality in terms of playing in a BCS championship atmosphere. This is the goal of all college players and coaches.
Assessment of Year No. 3 of the Program
"We see continual progress in our program from the convergence of a number of key elements. Continuity of our coaching staff will always be a key to our success as we build a foundation for our footall program. We now have two full recruiting classes, and we are seeing daily the positive effects of our new facilities, our membership in the BIG EAST Conference and our BCS affiliation. Entering our second year in the BIG EAST, we are well aware--as a staff and as a team--what it takes to compete at this level. Our players have been graduating at an 85 percent rate and are committed to developing as athletes and as young men. We have players at virtually every position who have been there and are ready to compete."
About the Offense
"Our goal on offense will be to run and throw effectively while creating mismatches that can create the big play. We need to to take full advantage of our opportunities and play mistake free. We need to be an offense that scores touchdowns in the Red Zone."
About the Defense
"We need to build on the experience and success that we had last year. We need to become a great Red Zone defense, force turnovers and be able to make the game one-dimensional while eliminating the big play. Championship teams are built around defenses."
About the Special Teams
"Special teams have become the difference-maker in modern day football. We will continue to emphasize and work on the various techniques involved in special teams play. Our special teams will be indicative of the experience and enthusiasm of our football team. It will control our team's vertical field position in each and every contest."
Goals for 2006
"Our goal will always be to win our conference championship and earn a spot in a postseason bowl game. We will again ask our players to play with great effort and toughness; to know of what to do and play fast. Our team will continue to focus on this throughout the offseason workouts, preseason practice and game preparations. We have asked our players to take ownership. Whether you are a fan, student, player or coach, with ownership comes responsibility. This will continue to be a key to our development. We need to continue to develop relationships with each other. Relationships are built upon trust. We all need to trust in each other."