TicketsCINCINNATI – The Cincinnati football team's first spring practice with shoulder pads took place Friday morning at Nippert Stadium, the last practice before UC's Spring Break.
The third of 15 spring practices was as lively as ever, and also the last workout before a team reconvenes after the break next Sunday.
Among the exciting signs of spring football is the return of Cincinnati's young defensive core. Sophomores Simeon Coleman, Jiquan Sanks, Montay Weedon and Marquaze Parker all saw significant time as true freshmen last year, and they made the most of their rookie campaigns.
Coleman, Sanks, and Weedon all started games as true freshmen, and Parker played in eight games along the defensive line. Coleman's impact was recognized nationally as he was named a Freshman All-American by PFF, 247Sports, On3, and College Football Network. The linebacker appeared in all 12 games, making one start, and recording 32 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss.
According to PFF, Coleman's 238 defensive snaps this season were the most among any true freshman linebacker in the Big 12. His 32 tackles ranked fifth among Big 12 true freshmen.
Instant success isn't often expected from freshmen, so to have several contributors on the defensive side of the ball in 2024 was a welcome development. But just because they had success doesn't mean it was easy to come by.
"It wasn't easy coming in," Coleman said. "Coach [Cortney] Braswell emphasized working hard every day and he really pushed and made sure I paid attention to the details. By the time the season started, I was ready to go."
UC's freshmen were tasked with contributing immediately, as Sanks, at the "star" middle safety position, took the field with the starting defense during the season opener vs. Towson. He became the first true freshman to start a season opener since Marquise Copeland in 2015.
Coleman and Weedon also made starts later in the season at linebacker, and could be tasked with increased roles again this year. Last year's leading tackler, Jared Bartlett, started almost every game at linebacker but has since graduated. Someone has to fill that hole and replace that production on the defense, and it might as well be the Bearcats' sophomores.
"I feel like we all learned a lot from last season," Coleman said. "We're really looking forward to this season, I feel like it'll be a big year for all of us, and the entire linebacker corps included."
Cincinnati's spring practice schedule will pick back up after spring break and continue into April, with the schedule being highlighted by the Spring Showcase presented by Skyline Chili scheduled for Saturday, April 12. The open football practice begins at 12 p.m. and will be preceded by an AD Tailgate for season ticket members featuring special guests. More information on the Spring Showcase can be found here.
The third of 15 spring practices was as lively as ever, and also the last workout before a team reconvenes after the break next Sunday.
Among the exciting signs of spring football is the return of Cincinnati's young defensive core. Sophomores Simeon Coleman, Jiquan Sanks, Montay Weedon and Marquaze Parker all saw significant time as true freshmen last year, and they made the most of their rookie campaigns.
Coleman, Sanks, and Weedon all started games as true freshmen, and Parker played in eight games along the defensive line. Coleman's impact was recognized nationally as he was named a Freshman All-American by PFF, 247Sports, On3, and College Football Network. The linebacker appeared in all 12 games, making one start, and recording 32 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss.
According to PFF, Coleman's 238 defensive snaps this season were the most among any true freshman linebacker in the Big 12. His 32 tackles ranked fifth among Big 12 true freshmen.
Instant success isn't often expected from freshmen, so to have several contributors on the defensive side of the ball in 2024 was a welcome development. But just because they had success doesn't mean it was easy to come by.
"It wasn't easy coming in," Coleman said. "Coach [Cortney] Braswell emphasized working hard every day and he really pushed and made sure I paid attention to the details. By the time the season started, I was ready to go."
UC's freshmen were tasked with contributing immediately, as Sanks, at the "star" middle safety position, took the field with the starting defense during the season opener vs. Towson. He became the first true freshman to start a season opener since Marquise Copeland in 2015.
Coleman and Weedon also made starts later in the season at linebacker, and could be tasked with increased roles again this year. Last year's leading tackler, Jared Bartlett, started almost every game at linebacker but has since graduated. Someone has to fill that hole and replace that production on the defense, and it might as well be the Bearcats' sophomores.
"I feel like we all learned a lot from last season," Coleman said. "We're really looking forward to this season, I feel like it'll be a big year for all of us, and the entire linebacker corps included."
Cincinnati's spring practice schedule will pick back up after spring break and continue into April, with the schedule being highlighted by the Spring Showcase presented by Skyline Chili scheduled for Saturday, April 12. The open football practice begins at 12 p.m. and will be preceded by an AD Tailgate for season ticket members featuring special guests. More information on the Spring Showcase can be found here.
That'll play @caleb_goodie ‼️ https://t.co/LqCqhiER5n
— Brendan Sorsby (@Brendan_Sorsby2) March 14, 2025