TicketsFeb. 6, 2008
CINCINNATI -- The University of Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly introduced 24 names for the recruiting class of 2008 on the initial day of the NCAA's football signing period on Wednesday, February 6.
"We believe that we addressed both the offensive and defensive skill position needs of our program immediately and in the future," stated Kelly. "There are some kids in those position group that can impact our program now and in the future."
The Bearcats' recruiting class stays close to home with six players from Greater Cincinnati area. Evan Davis (Colerain), Ike Iloegbu (Harmony), Danny Milligan (St. Xavier), Brandon Mills (Colerain), J.K. Schaffer (La Salle), and Nick Truesdell (Anderson) all decided to continue playing football at UC.
"This group of six young men speaks to our commitment to recruiting BCS players from the Cincinnati area," Kelly commented. "When we add the rest of the class, we have 10 players coming to the program from the state of Ohio."
"The results of this group is based in hosting more than 600 kids at camps over the summer. Our staff did a great job of evaluation through this period. We carried that into the season, with three sellouts and that is great for recruits to see on visits."
Not based on recruiting to national ratings, Kelly charged his staff with recruiting the best players for the program.
"Six of the players have a state championship ring. It defines the profile we are looking for ... a winner ... strong commitment ... and character."
The Bearcats return 16 starters in 2008 from a squad that finished 10-3 and won the Papajohns.com Bowl, including all-Americans Mike Mickens, Terrill Byrd, and Kevin Huber. In 2007, UC led the nation with 42 takeaways and 26 interceptions. Cincinnati ranked 13th in scoring defense (18.8 ppg) and 16th in scoring offense (36.3 ppg).
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown /High School (Previous School)
Dominique Battle DB 6-0 175 Boca Raton, FL / American Heritage
Camerron Cheatham DB 5-8 165 Kalamazoo, MI / Central
Evan Davis OL 6-4 250 Cincinnati, OH / Colerain
Dan Giordano DL 6-4 240 Frankfort, IL / Lincoln-Way East
Sean Hooey OL 6-8 260 Litchfield, MI / Hillsdale
Bruce Horner DB 6-1 175 Farmington Hills, MI / Harrison
Ike Iloegbu DB 6-1 185 Cincinnati, OH / Harmony
Brendon Kay QB 6-4 220 Ira, MI / Marine City
Travis Kelce QB 6-5 235 Cleveland Heights, OH / Cleveland Heights
Pat Lambert DB 6-1 190 St. Cloud, FL / Osceola
Danny Milligan WR 5-9 170 Cincinnati, OH / St. Xavier
Brandon Mills DL 5-11 255 Cincinnati, OH / Colerain
Mark Nelson LB 6-2 225 Westerville, OH / Big Walnut
Lynell Payne WR 6-3 205 Marlton, NJ / Cherokee
Isaiah Pead RB 5-11 185 Columbus, OH / Eastmoor Academy
Quincy Quetant DB 6-0 190 Orlando, FL / Timber Creek
Jared Rains DB 5-10 180 Aliquippa, PA / Hopewell
J.K. Schaffer LB 6-1 210 Cincinnati, OH / La Salle
Walter Stewart DL 6-5 220 Ashville, OH / Teays Valley
Nick Truesdell WR 6-7 215 Cincinnati, OH / Anderson
Darrin Williams RB 5-7 175 Detroit, MI / Martin Luther King
George Winn RB 5-10 175 Southfield, MI / U. of Detroit Jesuit
Derek Wolfe DL 6-5 270 Lisbon, OH / Beaver Local
D.J. Woods WR 6-0 170 Strongsville, OH / Strongsville
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