TicketsCINCINNATI – Transfer quarterback JC French tossed three touchdowns and finished with zero turnovers during a competitive scrimmage on Saturday at the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center as the Cincinnati football team completed its ninth practice of the spring.
“Each and every day, JC (French) gets a little more comfortable with what we’re trying to do,” said head coach Scott Satterfield, who is entering his fourth season with the program. “We’re trying to keep it simple this spring offensively so they don’t have to think too much. I’ve been pleased with his accuracy. His completion percentage has been really high throughout practice. He’s played at a really high level.”
Transfer wide receiver Malachi Henry caught two of those scores from French, including a 50-yarder, and finished with three touchdowns overall, providing ample offensive fireworks over approximately 100 scrimmage plays.
After the new-look defense under first-year defensive coordinator Nate Woody stopped the offense on consecutive possessions to start the scrimmage, the offense got rolling when French found Henry for the 50-yard score. Cincinnati native and redshirt junior running back Gi’Bran Payne scored on a short touchdown rush on the next possession.
Henry, a transfer from Central Arkansas, later caught long touchdowns from both French and redshirt senior quarterback Liam O’Brien.
O’Brien also found walk-on receiver Pierce Ayers for a back-of-the-end zone score.
Redshirt sophomore signal-caller Samaj Jones added a touchdown on a keeper, while sophomore receiver Cade Wolford and redshirt freshman running back Zion Johnson turned heads with long runs, showing they could be game-breakers heading into the fall.
French avoided pressure and zipped a 45-yard touchdown to redshirt sophomore receiver Elijah Jones.
“Every day has been important to continue learning,” said French, who came to UC this winter after starring at Georgia Southern for three years, becoming the school’s all-time passing leader along the way.
“You can really pick up on some little things when going against the defense. We were explosive today. It was nice seeing the receivers making plays down the field. It definitely makes my job a lot easier.”
Defensive highlights during the second half of practice included redshirt senior linebacker Jonathan Thompson’s fumble recovery and junior defensive back Marqavious Saboor’s crucial sack to stop a drive. Redshirt sophomore Gravy Johnson also had an interception in the end zone.
During the final live situation period of practice, the defense stopped the offense inside the five-yard line.
“It was good to get some different scenarios today,” Satterfield said. “We ended up with some red zone, kicked some field goals and did a little bit of special teams. I thought it was good overall on both sides of the ball.”
The practice featured 13 periods, with the final six periods dedicated to scrimmage play.
Cincinnati will practice five more times before hosting the Spring Showcase inside Historic Nippert Stadium at 12 p.m. on April 18. The open practice will feature scrimmage periods and family entertainment around the stadium.
Cincinnati’s NFL Alumni Attend Practice
Saturday’s practice featured current NFL players Chris Moore, a wide receiver most recently with the Washington Commanders, and John Williams, an offensive tackle who was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. The facility’s namesake, Larry Sheakley, a leading Cincinnati Athletics supporter, was also in attendance. Former NFL player and UC Hall of Famer Antwan Peek Sr. was also on hand, keeping a close eye on the defense, where his son, Antwan Peek Jr., is a team leader and redshirt senior.
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