TicketsAug. 4, 2006
This is the fourth in an eight-part series, previewing the University of Cincinnati football team as it prepares to open the 2006 season on Sept. 2 vs. Eastern Kentucky. In this installment, the Bearcats' 2006 passing game is previewed.
A seasoned quarterback and a veteran cast at the skill positions should add punch to the Cincinnati offense.
"We have experience coming back at our quarterback position in 2006," stated UC head coach Mark Dantonio. "Quarterback will always be a position in which consistency, decision-making and the ability to make a positive play out of a negative one is essential."
Dustin Grutza showed excellent poise and leadership as a redshirt freshman signal caller in 2005. Experience and physical maturity should enhance his ability as a passer. The battle for the signal-caller post is not yet over, however.
Tony Pike, a redshirt freshman, thrust himself into consideration with an excellent performance during spring drills. Multi-talented David Wess, who experimented at wide receiver and running back during spring practice, was moved to quarterback where his array of athletic skills adds a different dimension to the position. A season's experience in the program will enable Nick Davila, Grutza's backup in 2005, and Craig Carey, a redshirt freshman, to challenge for the position.
Whoever takes the ball from center will have the luxury of working with a seasoned group of receivers.
Brent Celek, a 6-4, 260-pound senior who has amassed more receptions (56) and receiving yards (654) than all but one tight end in UC history and already owns the mark for TD catches (11), is back for his third season as a starter and is an All-BIG EAST honors candidate. Connor Barwin, who saw considerable playing time and averaged 18.0 yards on eight catches as a first-year frosh, and redshirt freshman Kazeem Alli are more-than-capable backups who make tight end a position of strength for the offense.
The Bearcats return five of their six performers from last season at the wide receiver posts, headed by senior Bill Poland, juniors Earnest Jackson and Antwuan Giddens, and sophomore Dominick Goodman. Recovering from knee surgery when the season began, Poland came on strong down the stretch of the campaign, making 16 catches for 244 yards in the final five games. Jackson, who led the Bearcats with 364 receiving yards, assumed the role of the big play receiver in the passing attack. Giddens, like Jackson a two-year performer, showed continued improvement. Goodman broke into the rotation as a true freshman and proved to be a dangerous weapon as a receiver and return specialist.
DeAngelo Smith, a sophomore who blossomed at the position upon being moved from the secondary during spring drills, and redshirt freshman Jared Martin, who picked up the offense while running the scout team last fall, bolster the talent pool at wide receiver. Sophomore Derrick Stewart along with members of the incoming freshman class has the speed to challenge for spots in the receiver rotation.
"Brent Celek returns as one of the top tight ends in the BIG EAST," Dantonio offered. "He has excellent leadership skills which boost the entire offense. Connor Barwin and Kazeem Alli make this a position of strength for our offense. We have big-bodied wide receivers who have the ability to be physical. The speed and raw talent of Derrick Stewart, redshirt freshman Jared Martin and some of our incoming freshmen give them the ability to make an immediate impact."
Quarterbacks2005 Starter:
Dustin Grutza 6-2, 202 So.
Returning Vet:
Nick Davila 6-3, 200 Sr.
Returning Redshirts:
Craig Carey 6-4, 215, Fr.
Tony Pike 6-6, 210, Fr.
Newcomer:
David Wess 6-2, 215, So.
Wide Receivers
2005 Starters:
Earnest Jackson 6-3, 215 Jr.
Derick Ross graduated
Returning Vets:
Antwuan Giddens 6-3, 190, Jr.
Dominick Goodman 6-1, 200 So.
Bill Poland 6-3, 205, Sr.
Returning Redshirts:
Charley Howard 6-4, 200 Fr.
Jared Martin 6-1, 180 Fr.
Newcomers:
Marcus Barnett 6-1, 170 Fr.
Derrick Stewart 5-11, 175, So
Tight Ends
2005 Starter:
Brent Celek 6-4, 260 Sr.
Returning Vet:
Connor Barwin 6-4, 240, So.
Returning Redshirt:
Kazeem Alli 6-3, 230, Fr.
Newcomers:
Reggie Fugett 6-6, 250 Fr.
Ben Guidugli 6-2, 220 Fr.