TicketsDec. 19, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The University of Cincinnati football team returned to Nippert Stadium for their second practice for the 2007 International Bowl on Tuesday afternoon.
Head Coach Brian Kelly has spent the bulk of his time focused on the Bearcat offense. He has been working with the wide receivers and quarterbacks.
"Offensively, we went from being awful on the first day, to being lousy today. But I like that we're making progress. We will be a better football team when we play Western Michigan than we were against Connecticut."
UC freshman defensive back Aaron Webster will miss the 2007 International Bowl after suffering an injury in the squad's first practice preparing for the bowl game. Webster sustained the injury in Monday's practice, while the team was wearing helmets and shoulder pads.
"My first impression of Aaron is that he is extremely athletic," said Kelly. He's going to be a player for us, but he's got an uphill climb. We expect him back in time for the fall."
A product of Southfield, Mich., Webster is scheduled to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee next week. University of Cincinnati team orthopedist Dr. Angelo Colosimo will perform the surgery at University Hospital.
Webster was honored as the Bearcats' Defensive Newcomer of the Year after seeing extensive action in the final 11 games of the 2006 season. Primarily serving as an additional defensive back in passing situations, the 6-3, 207-pound true freshman turned in 13 tackles, eight of them solos. He also garnered BIG EAST All-Freshman accolades from The Sporting News after the regular season.
The Bearcats continue to prepare for their Jan. 6 matchup in the inaugural International Bowl against Western Michigan. Kickoff from Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) is slated for 12:00 noon.