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Expectations for the University of Cincinnati football team are high. Even college coaches around the country believe the Bearcats are a top-10 team. Cincinnati, after finishing last season No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, entered the preseason USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll released Tuesday as the 10th-ranked team in the country. The poll is voted on by a panel of 65 coaches from the 10 FBS conferences plus independents. The No. 10 ranking is the highest preseason ranking in program history. The Bearcats, the preseason favorite to repeat as American Athletic Conference champions, received 979 total points. North Carolina garnered 999 points to enter the poll at No. 9. Top-ranked Alabama led the way with 1,621 points.

Cincinnati will face No. 17 Indiana (573) on Sept. 18 in Bloomington, followed by No. 7 Notre Dame (1,139) on Oct. 2 in South Bend. The lofty expectations for the Bearcats, who have won 31 games over the past three seasons, are due in large part to the play and leadership of Desmond Ridder. After leading Cincinnati to its first AAC championship, the 2020 AAC Offensive Player of the Year elected to return for a fifth season in January. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior quarterback will enter the 2021 campaign as the winningest active signal-caller in the FBS. - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#3 QB) rSr/2022

QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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08/13/21 - Emory Jones, rSr/2024, Cincinnati, 6-2, 203 (DS#29 QB) + More +

Feleipe Franks' ankle was mangled in a Kentucky pileup. Dan Mullen felt confident sending Trask in to rescue Florida from an 11-point deficit, but Mullen was also holding his breath. "He was going into a situation I had not seen him in, and how he was going to handle that," Mullen said. Trask handled it well. So well that the other quarterback Mullen planned to use that September afternoon never got off the bench. Two years later, Emory Jones' moment has arrived like a slow train everybody saw coming. But the eternal QB question is still in play. Is Jones ready? "There's nothing that tells me he's not going to handle it as good as anyone I've ever had," Mullen said.

That should make you feel better if you're nervous about the main topic of conversation going into preseason camp. Mullen is a modern-day Henry Ford when it comes to quarterbacks. He's built an assembly line that keeps rolling out successful products. But if you're not the least bit nervous about the Gators' QB succession, you're suffering a case of blind faith. For all the confident talk we'll hear in the next few weeks, not even Jones knows for sure if he's ready to assume the throne. The truth is, nobody can know until it happens. All we can do is look at what's led up to that moment, and then make a prediction. - Gainesville Sun

(DS#29 QB) rSr/2024

QB Emory Jones, Cincinnati
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/30/21 - Myjai Sanders, Sr/2022, Cincinnati, 6-5, 247 (DS#13 DE) + More +

University of Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and defensive end Myjai Sanders have been named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented annually to the National Defensive Player of the Year in college football. Sanders, a 6-foot-5-inch, 258-pound senior from Jacksonville, Florida, led Cincinnati with 10.5 tackles for a loss and 7.0 sacks last season en route to earning first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. Gardner and Sanders also appear on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award. The Maxwell Football Club has presented the Bednarik Award to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995. - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#13 DE) Sr/2022

DE Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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07/28/21 - *Ahmad Gardner, Jr/2022, Cincinnati, 6-3, 193 (DS#1 CB) + More +

University of Cincinnati cornerbacks Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and Coby Bryant have both been named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the top defensive back in college football. Gardner and Bryant are among 40 players named to the preseason watch list for the award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced Monday. Gardner, a 6-foot-2-inch, 188-pound junior, was also a first-team All-AAC selection last season after ranking second in the conference with nine passes defended and hauling in three interceptions, which tied for fourth-most in the American. - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#1 CB) Jr/2022

CB *Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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07/27/21 - Emory Jones, rSr/2024, Cincinnati, 6-2, 203 (DS#29 QB) + More +

Florida quarterback Emory Jones didn't attend SEC Media Days this past week, but his presence was still felt in Hoover, Ala. He was the first player Dan Mullen mentioned at the podium and a talking point in every room his coach entered - especially radio row. Why bring two defensive players instead of Jones? That was one of the first questions Mullen received from reporters. "I don't know if there's two more guys that have really earned the right to be here more than Ventrell [Miller] and Zach [Carter]," Mullen said. "I try to bring guys that have the experience, veteran guys." Jones isn't a vet for the Gators yet, but certainly has experience on offense. He's played every year since his true freshman season in 2018 despite being behind Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask on the depth chart.

It's now No. 5's turn to start, though first he must beat out Anthony Richardson for the job in training camp. Jones has made the most of limited opportunities and, more importantly, elevated his game. "He has continued to develop throughout his career. He has got a strong arm and he is a dynamic playmaker with his feet and he has experience," Mullen said of Jones. "If you look at his progression, I mean, he came in as a very celebrated high school player, highly ranked. I think for a couple years now, he's learned, he's grown, he's developed. "He's a completely different player than he was when he walked in, in his understanding of the game and in his maturity. … I think Emory has shown maturity from early on. It wasn't, 'I have to play from day one.' It was, 'I have to continue to be developed from day one to prepare for my moment and my time.' And that's what he's been able to do." - Gainesville Sun

(DS#29 QB) rSr/2024

QB Emory Jones, Cincinnati
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/26/21 - Desmond Ridder, rSr/2022, Cincinnati, 6-3, 213 (DS#3 QB) + More +

Desmond Ridder, the University of Cincinnati's most well-known current student-athlete, is dipping much more than just his toes into the name, image and likeness pool. The Bearcats' senior quarterback, who is on the watch list for both the 2021 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award and the Maxwell Award, has signed an exclusive NFT (non-fungible token) deal with digital collectible company Candy Digital, the company announced Friday. Ridder, who announced earlier this month that he had signed a NIL deal with sports agency Vayner Sports, will be featured in several NFT collectibles that will be available for purchase in September. "Pumped up to be able to expand my name and brand, while also representing the best school in America," said Ridder in a July 13 social media post announcing he was joining Vayner Sports. Ridder is just one of many college student-athletes who have seized financial opportunities since the NCAA Board of Directors suspended the NCAA's antiquated rules prohibiting student-athletes from profiting off of their name, image and likeness. - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#3 QB) rSr/2022

QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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07/25/21 - Josh Minkins, rSr/2025, Cincinnati, 6-1, 207 (DS#28 FS) + More +

Louisville's safety depth has been a big concern this offseason, but it got a slight boost with coach Scott Satterfield's comments during Thursday's ACC Media Days session. Satterfield said that safety Josh Minkins, who got hurt in January and missed around four or five months, is back working out with the team. After last season, the Ballard graduate projected to be an important piece to the safety rotation that was losing Russ Yeast and Isaiah Hayes. The coaching staff had high hopes for the 6-foot-2, 179-pound safety, as well, but his offseason development was derailed by an injury that left him sidelined the entire month.

Now he's back and will likely backup transfers Kenderick Duncan Jr., and Qwynnterrio Cole while battling freshmen Brayln Oliver and Ben Perry for time. The question now is, when will Minkins return to the field in a game? "Will he be in good enough shape to play the first game? I don't know. That's a question mark," Satterfield said. "Will it be three games or conference play? I just don't know where he'll be physically. We want to be able to count on him as we head forward because he played a little bit last year." Last season Minkins played in eight games and recorded six tackles, making his first career tackle in a road game at Pittsburgh. - Courier Journal

(DS#28 FS) rSr/2025

FS Josh Minkins, Cincinnati
News Source: Courier Journal
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07/22/21 - Derrick Canteen, rSr/2025, Cincinnati, 5-10, 193 (DS#43 SS) + More +

Five Georgia Southern football players have been voted to the Preseason All-Sun Belt squad, as released Tuesday afternoon by the conference. The team was voted on by coaches and selected media who cover the league. Derrick Canteen, who was a freshman All-American last year after tying for the national lead with six interceptions, was the lone first-team member for the Eagles. He has been a unanimous first-team selection in the preseason magazines released thus far. Two members of the Eagle offense - running back J.D. King and lineman Aaron Dowdell - both made the second team while punter Anthony Beck II and return specialist Khaleb Hood both made the second team. As a team, Georgia Southern was picked fourth in the East Division. The Eagles are slated to open their season on Sept. 4 at home against Gardner-Webb. - Georgia Southern Football

(DS#43 SS) rSr/2025

SS Derrick Canteen, Cincinnati
News Source: Georgia Southern Football
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06/25/21 - Derrick Canteen, rSr/2025, Cincinnati, 5-10, 193 (DS#43 SS) + More +

Georgia Southern cornerback Derrick Canteen is a Preseason All-Sun Belt first-team selection in Phil Steele's College Football Preview. Ten Georgia Southern players were named to the squad. Running back J.D. King, punter Anthony Beck II (a South Effingham High graduate) and punt returner Khaleb Hood were picked for the second team; while offensive lineman Aaron Dowdell and nose tackle C.J. Wright earned third-team honors. Running back Amare Jones (a transfer from Tulane), offensive lineman Brian Miller (Memorial Day School graduate), defensive end Justin Ellis and outside linebacker Randy Wade Jr. were named to the fourth team. Canteen, now a redshirt sophomore, started all 13 games in 2020. He was selected for both the Football Writers Association of America and The Athletic's Freshman All-American teams. - Savannah Morning News

(DS#43 SS) rSr/2025

SS Derrick Canteen, Cincinnati
News Source: Savannah Morning News
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04/20/21 - Myjai Sanders, Sr/2022, Cincinnati, 6-5, 247 (DS#13 DE) + More +

The UC defense, which has been the No. 1 defense in the American Athletic Conference each of the past three seasons, is under new management for the first time in Fickell's four-plus seasons due to the departure of former defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to Notre Dame. But despite the turnover, the Bearcats appear to be as stout as they have ever been under Fickell if not more. "We've got a chance to be really good (defensively)," said Fickell, who is 35-14 at Cincinnati. "I mean, we've been good here, but I think we've got a chance to take it even to the next level." All-conference defenders like safeties James Wiggins and Darrick Forrest and defensive lineman Elijah Ponder have moved on to pursue careers in the NFL. That's fine. UC doesn't need them. With safeties Bryan Cook and Ja'von Hicks stepping in and the defensive line holding steady with tackle Marcus Brown, end Malik Vann and 2020 first-team All-AAC defensive end Myjai Sanders, the defensive unit gave Ridder fits early on Saturday afternoon. - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#13 DE) Sr/2022

DE Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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04/19/21 - Jerome Ford, rJr/2022, Cincinnati, 5-11, 211 (DS#17 RB) + More +

Ford is entering his second season with the Bearcats after transferring from Alabama. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Tampa, Florida, native had the most productive year of his college career in 2020, rushing for 483 yards and eight touchdowns. Ford is presumably in the driver's seat for the No. 1 running back spot, especially while Charles McClelland continues to work his way back from his second torn ACL in 14 months. "I feel like personally and as a group (running backs), we really want to be able to help the team -- not just the offense, special teams -- in any way possible," Ford said. "Whatever we can do, whether it be running the ball, blocking, running down on kickoff, catching the ball. We just want to be able to help the team." - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#17 RB) rJr/2022

RB Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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04/18/21 - Desmond Ridder, rSr/2022, Cincinnati, 6-3, 213 (DS#3 QB) + More +

With 11 practices this spring for the Bearcat's football program, the team will get a glimpse of their 2021 team through a scrimmage on Saturday. After finishing No. 8 overall following a Peach Bowl appearance and a 9-1 season, the doubts against the Bearcats haven't eased. ESPN ranked them as the 27th best team heading into the 2021-22 season, the highest of any non-power five conference, despite 16 starters returning. As head coach Luke Fickell begins his fifth season with the Bearcats, one box already checked for the upcoming season is their offensive leader, quarterback Desmond Ridder.

As the 2020 American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Ridder will be the winningest quarterback in 2021 college football. Over his last three seasons with the Bearcats, Ridder has averaged 2,302 passing yards per season, with popular targets returning out wide. In the wide receiver room, returners include senior Michael Young Jr., Junior Tre Tucker, graduate Jordan Jones and Senior Alec Pierce. Tucker, Pierce and Young Jr. were among the top five leading receivers for the Bearcats in 2020, with No. 1 overall returning to tight end Josh Whyle. - The News Record

(DS#3 QB) rSr/2022

QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
News Source: The News Record
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04/05/21 - Derrick Canteen, rSr/2025, Cincinnati, 5-10, 193 (DS#43 SS) + More +

Canteen led the nation in interceptions last season with six. He was named to The Athletic and FWAA Freshman All-American teams, All-Sun Belt Conference first team and ESPN's All-Bowl team after his three-tackle, one-interception performance against Louisiana Tech. After such a strong debut, many athletes would be looking and training to top that season. For Canteen, he's just hoping to put himself in the best position to help his team win games. "The outside noise from last year doesn't add any extra pressure or expectations for this spring and this year," Canteen said. "I'm always competing with myself. It's always me versus me. I always try to hold myself to a higher standard."

His cornerbacks coach sees Canteen working after practice and wants to see the redshirt sophomore continue to be himself in his second year. Whitley thinks the best way to accomplish this is by leading by example. "If we become vocal leaders, that's great, but when you're talking, it doesn't really mean anything unless you're putting in work," Whitley said. "If he keeps working hard and bringing the young guys along, we'll be good." - Savannah Morning News

(DS#43 SS) rSr/2025

SS Derrick Canteen, Cincinnati
News Source: Savannah Morning News
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04/03/21 - Darrick Forrest, Sr/2021, Cincinnati, 6-0, 206 (DS#5 SS) + More +

If NFL teams were sleeping on University of Cincinnati safety Darrick Forrest ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bearcats' 2020 defensive captain and the team's 2019 leading tackler did everything he could on Wednesday to sound the alarm. Forrest ran the 40-yard dash in an unofficial time of 4.38 seconds, had 21 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a vertical jump of 39 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet to steal the show at Cincinnati's pro day inside the bubble at the Sheakley Athletic Center. "My goal today was to go out there and just put up great numbers and I feel like I accomplished that," the 6-foot, 206-pound draft hopeful told The Enquirer. "It's showing that the hard work I put down in Fort Lauderdale is paying off." Since the Bearcats' season-ending 24-21 loss to Georgia in the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day, Forrest has spent most of his time training in South Florida. Representatives from 29 of the 32 NFL teams were present for Cincinnati's pro day, including coaches and/or front office personnel from the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. - Cincinnati Enquirer

(DS#5 SS) Sr/2021

SS Darrick Forrest, Cincinnati
News Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
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03/02/21 - Derrick Canteen, rSr/2025, Cincinnati, 5-10, 193 (DS#43 SS) + More +

The Georgia Southern Athletics Department and the Sun Belt Conference announced Monday the Eagles' 2021 football schedule. It is a slate that features four teams that finished in the Top 26 of last year's final AP Poll, six home Saturday games, at least one nationally televised game and seven contests against teams that were selected for a bowl game last year. The Eagles will open the 2021 season at home, hosting Gardner-Webb on Sept. 4, before heading to Florida Atlantic on Sept. 11. They then head to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas of the SEC a week later on Sept. 18. The final non-conference game comes in November as the Eagles host BYU on Nov. 20. Georgia Southern opens up Sun Belt play at the end of September on Sept. 25 at home against Louisiana. - Georgia Southern Football

(DS#43 SS) rSr/2025

SS Derrick Canteen, Cincinnati
News Source: Georgia Southern Football
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