Quarterback Challenge Takes Shape to Start Second Week

CINCINNATI -- Two different journeys have shaped Cincinnati's two apparent frontrunners for the starting quarterback job in Ben Bryant and Evan Prater.

Bryant (La Grange, Ill.) appeared in 16 games for the Bearcats from 2018-20, ultimately heading north to Eastern Michigan where he threw for 3,121 yards and 14 touchdowns. Prater, on the other hand, was the No. 9 dual-threat quarterback of the 2020 class out of nearby Wyoming High School, playing one game in 2020 and seven last season.

It now comes full-circle as the one-time, socially-distanced teammates of the 2020 season are now roommates at Higher Ground fall camp.

"We're in bed early with the lights off, watching Tik-Tok and showing each other funny videos," Bryant said. "It's really chill in there. We have a good time and joke around. It's not weird at all, we're good friends."

While head coach Luke Fickell and his assistants have effused praise of the competition this spring, Prater presented his beliefs on the process.

"I think staying locked in and proving that both of us can be the guy (is our goal)," he said. "That's what we're trying to do. We want to come out every day, work and be the best versions of ourselves."

And even moments of misfortune have shaped the two.

"I think over the years I've learned I'll make mistakes," Bryant said. "Everybody does it. Tom Brady does it. Just knowing it's gonna happen and it's part of the game is real important."

Prater noted one of his strengths would be adapting if and when a play may go awry, relying on his legs and making plays outside the pocket. He did also say he thinks his arm has grown exponentially since arriving in Clifton.

"I talked to Coach Gino (Guidugli) about working on my mid-range game and the deep ball, and also being composed in the pocket," Prater said. "When I was younger, I was always read to push off my legs and use it to my advantage. Now, I know to keep cooler and collected in the pocket."

Fickell echoed the team's "Iron Sharpens Iron" sentiment regarding the battle, saying that the two are making each other better in the process as has also been observed in positions on either side of the ball. Redshirt-freshman Brady Lichtenberg (Toledo) and true freshman Luther Richesson (Nashville) have also gained valuable experience behind center.

"You think you see (separation) one day, but when you walk off the field and you go watch the film you see something else," Fickell said. "Then, you come out the next day and you think about it, the amazing thing is that you have two incredible competitors. I don't think if you didn't know any different, you could look out here and see they are helping each other, working with each other, This isn't 'me versus you,' this is our team: Iron Sharpens Iron. We have got to do this and do it the right way."

The two have the rest of the week until a Saturday scrimmage to hone their skillsets, and even that allows for three more Saturdays to follow until kickoff at No. 23 Arkansas.

THE BEARCATS ARE READY TO RELOAD
Led by Fickell, the reigning consensus National Coach of the Year, and 12 returning starters, the Bearcats are the two-time defending AAC Champions and are coming off of a 13-1 season that culminated in a trip to the 2021 College Football Playoff. With a 44-7 mark since the start of 2018, Cincinnati's 86% winning percentage ranks among the nation's Top 5 winning percentages over the last four years. 

Cincinnati opens the 2022 season at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 3 against Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., before coming home to Nippert Stadium to welcome Kennesaw State at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 10.
 
While season tickets are sold out for the first time in school history, fans can still purchase single-game tickets for as low as $25 HERE. Fans can also join the waiting list for 2023 season tickets.