Taj Ward Season 2022

2023: Had a career year in his sixth and final season as a Bearcat, recording 55 tackles,  3.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks and forced two fumbles, and recorded one – all career highs… His 55 tackles were the fourth most on the team, and logged a season-high nine against Oklahoma, including two TFLs… Forced and recovered an important fumble that led Cincinnati to a victory over Pittsburgh… Was part of Cincinnati’s CFP appearance in 2021, as he played in 11 games during the season. He ended his collegiate career with 102 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, and one interception in 62 career games.  

2022: Played in 13 games and started in 11 as Cincinnati’s first-team nickel back… Recorded a 20 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups and 2.5 tackles for loss… Season-high four tackles (three solo) with a TFL at No. 19 Arkansas in his first career start…Made three stops and one TFL versus Indiana and ECU…Recorded an interception against Indiana…Capped the season with two tackles against Louisville in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl.

2021: Appeared in 11 games, earning a start against South Florida...Recorded seven tackles, including five solo...Had three solo against SMU and assisted on two stops in the opener against Miami (Ohio).

2020: Played in nine games during UC’s AAC Championship run, recording seven tackles on the year...Had a pair of stops in the opener against Austin Peay and against USF.

2019: Played in 13 games on special teams and in the defensive backfield…Totaled 12 tackles, including eight solo stops…Had two tackles in the opener against UCLA…Tallied a career mark with four stops against Miami (OH)…Also had a pair of tackles at Marshall...Named to the 2019 AAC All-Academic Team.

2018: Played in four games and redshirted…Made his UC debut against Alabama A&M…Also played at UConn, vs. ECU and in the Military Bowl vs. Virginia Tech…Had his first career tackle at UConn.

PRIOR TO UC: A consensus three-star prospect played at Solon HS outside of Cleveland for Coach Jim McQuaide...Tabbed as the No. 2 cornerback in Ohio by 247Sports.com...Recorded 19 tackles, an interception and fumble recovery as a senior...Also had 17 receptions for 150 yards...Helped the Comets win the Greater Cleveland Conference and reach the OHSAA Division I playoffs in 2016...Earned First-Team All-Greater Cleveland Conference and Honorable Mention Associated Press All-Ohio honors...Had 13 tackles, including a tackle for a loss and an interception...Offensively, totaled 32 receptions for 462 yards and four TDs, averaging 14.4 yards per reception with a long catch of 61 yards...Chose UC over reported offers from Boston College, Iowa State, Kentucky, Minnesota and Pittsburgh.