TicketsAug. 9, 2006
This is the sixth 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' linebackers are previewed.
The linebacking unit returns intact and boasting the Bearcats' second, third and fourth-leading tacklers. Kevin McCullough, a 6-2, 240-pound senior, will anchor the group from the middle linebacker position. Despite missing a game and having a reduced role in two others due to knee surgery, McCullough compiled 60 tackles and was second in tackles for loss.
Corey Smith, who earned all-league and Freshman All-American honors as a first-year frosh, returns at one outside linebacker post. The 6-1, 220-pound sophomore was third on the team in tackles (64) despite missing the final two games due to injury. Anthony Williams, a 6-1, 220-pound junior who was second in tackles (66), is back at the other OLB spot.
Others in the linebacking contingent who will benefit from last year's experience include sophomore Ryan Manalac, who made a pair of starts at middle linebacker last fall and had a productive spring, and juniors Tyjuan Jones and Jon Carpenter on the outside. Senior Leo Morgan and redshirt freshman Andre Revels have made steady improvement. Freddie Lenix is among the incoming frosh who could make an immediate impact.
"Like every other area of our defense, we were inexperienced at linebacker last season and it showed," stated UC head coach Mark Dantonio. "Now we have experience. Each of these players brings different things to the table. We need to continue to develop a blitz attitude with this group."
OLB (Sam)2005 Starter:
Anthony Williams 6-1, 220 Jr.
Returning Vets:
Tyjuan Jones 6-2, 225, Jr.
Leo Morgan 6-1, 230, Sr.
MLB (Mike)
2005 Starter:
Kevin McCullough 6-2, 240, Sr.
Returning Vets:
Nick DeFilippo 6-2, 240, So.
Ryan Manalac 6-0, 230So.
Returning Redshirts:
Andre Revels 6-0, 235, Fr.
OLB (Will)
2005 Starter:
Corey Smith 6-1, 220, So.
Returning Vets:
Jon Carpenter 6-0, 230, So.
Delbert Ferguson 6-1, 235 So.
Returning Redshirts:
Torry Cornett 6-2, 230 So.
Newcomers:
Freddie Lenix 6-0, 215, Fr.