TicketsFeb. 7, 2007
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Sixty-five days after being named head football coach at the University of Cincinnati, Brian Kelly has signed 22 student-athletes to national letters of intent on the initial day of the 2007 signing period.
"We looked at kids that we felt strong about character-wise. We would not take athletes that we didn't feel met the criteria of character and academics," Kelly said.
Kelly added, "We inherited a great foundation for our program. This group provides us with an opportunity to continue to advance the program."
There are more offensive linemen than any other position. The average size of the six projected blockers is 6-5, 270 pounds.
Kelly stated, "We needed to take offensive linemen, and some of the linemen available to us were the kind of kids we like taking anyway."
The 22 are divided 13 on offense and nine on defense, though quite a few have the ability to play on either side of the line of scrimmage.
The group emphasizes local, regional and BIG EAST recruiting. Eleven are from Ohio, with seven Southwest Ohio products choosing to stay close to home. Five are from Northern New Jersey, two are from Michigan and two others are from Indiana. One is from California and another is from Tennessee.
Headlining the offensive signees is the quarterback duo of Chazz Anderson from Pickerington and Zach Collaros of Steubenville. Anderson was honored as Ohio's Division II Player of the Year while Collaros received the state's Division III Player of the Year award.
Kelly and the Bearcats begin spring practices on March 26, with BEARCAT BOWL I wrapping up the non-traditional practice season on April 21.
Season tickets for the 2007 season go on sale beginning Monday, March 5. Deposits for season tickets can be made now for only $50.