Spring Game Review and Notes

[Thegreatone]

First, a ton of recruits made it down to the game despite the weather. I am sure swg will update the recruiting database accordingly.

Two plays stood out to me. A screen pass to DJ Woods where he made it to the outside and kicked the afterburners on and looked like a rocket making a 5 yard play a 25 yard play. Derrick Wolfe exploded through the line on the D's first time out and just looked massive.

Offense

QB: Zach looked awesome. I believe he was 17 of 19 with around 150 or so yards and 2 td's. Didn't run because he he wasn't able to be tackled but looked just as quick. Anderson looked quick but I thought he made some poor decisions and not nearly as comfortable as you would think. He was playing with the 2's though.

RB: No Pead or Goebel. Darrin Williams looks like he put on 10 pounds of muscle and got quicker (which is a good combination). He running style reminds me of Maurice Jones Drew. Just a bowling ball. He will be very capable to step in this year. Quentin Hines is a name you haven't heard much of but you will soon. He looked very capable. I don't think he get much time this year but don't be surprised.

WR: No Binns. DJ Woods looked great to me. He looked blazin fast. He looked a step faster than everyone of the field. Kembrell Thompkins looked very good and he and Zach had a great pass and catch that resulted for a 15-20 yard touchdown. Hard to get a good look at Hazelton in this one. His numbers were good. Guessing about 3 catches for 70 yards (1 catch was on a WR reverse pass from Woods who threw a strike to a wide open Hazelton). He made some plays but never have a chance to get into the open field. Woodard and Payne also looked very very good.

TE: Ben is the only one that I noticed. He looked like good ol Ben. Catches everything and is a hoss to bring down.

OL: The depleted O-line looked a little rough in the passing game IMO. I thought the run blocking looked much better though. They were missing 2 starters so I think this group will get better but I am nervous about the depth of this group. Sam Griffen and Kelce will be the anchors of the line. They subbed people in and out so it was difficult to get a great feel for the O-line.

Defense

DT: Derrick Wolfe looked massive and very good IMO. He will be the anchor of our D for the next two years. Mills looked like a brick house. His arms have to be about 38 inches around. He has that short and powerful body. I expect a big year from him. I am not sure how much Mills played if at all I just saw him in uniform and was impressed.John Hughes played with the 1's and I thought he did a good job stuffing the run. No big run plays were given up.

DE: Dan Giordano looked like a beast again. Had 1 sack and disrupted many plays. He is so strong and thick. Walter Stewart is going to be a pro someday. He will be a sophomore next year and he is one of those guys that make you say wow and rewind the tape. It seems like he is going to play DE (wow, talk about speed rusher) and maybe some OLB. For people who were wondering if he could handle the physicality of the D-line he answered some of the questions but showing up at least 15 pounds heavier. Remember he was a true freshman last year and still has room to grow. McCllelen (sp) ,sorry if that is not his name I believe it is, had a sick 1 handed INT on a screen pass that should have never been thrown by Anderson.

LB: JK seemed a little quite IMO. Looks a little thicker and showed speed. Honestly it was tough to get a read on JK and Dorian Davis because the D-line really over whelmed the O-Line.

DB: I was extremely pleased to see Chris Williams look so good. I thought he had a great showing. Looked real good. Battle looked good but got burned on a WR reverse pass. Frey looked consistent and about the same. I didnt get a good read on Wes Richardson and when I watch the replay I will try to notice that.

I think we will all be pleased with the offensive scheme. I doubt most would realize that we even went through a coaching change. Zach looked very comfortable. Once your add Binns, Pead and the O-line I honestly believe you will see a better offense.

The defense is going to be improved too. I hated Diaco's conservative 3-4 scheme. This D was your 4-3 but seemed to used a lot of NICKEL packages (although that is probably because of the spread offense). This team will be better prepared to stop the run.

Overall it was a great time and it was SO nice to see UC football. It was only a spring game but the guys looked sharp and it seems like we should be able to keep our high expectations.

 

[swg]

Great work!

I had to miss the game this year, and I do hope it will be the last time. In fact, I would like to organize a BCT event where we show our support in large numbers, and also put together even more information than even Greatone was able to get (which was impressive).
If we want UC to succeed, we fans must do our part.

 

[lumberjack]

I wonder what kept you from the game this year. nothing better than bearcat football!

 

[Kingsley Court]

Great write up Greatone, job well done. How was the crowd? Were there a lot of people there? I know the weather probably kept some away.

 

[swg]

I wonder what kept you from the game this year. nothing better than bearcat football!

Like McArthur once said "I shall return!"

 

[swg]

Recruits at the Spring Game

Junior Ryan Kelly (OL) from Lakota West also watched the action with his parents. Kelly at 6’ 4” and 270 pounds has attracted nine BCS offers from the likes of Cincinnati, Boston College, Florida State and Illinois.

Patrick Coyne (QB) from Hamilton Badin is already verbally committed to the Bearcats but watched the action. Coyne chose the Bearcats over schools like Boston College, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Local linebackers Steven Daniels (6’ 1”/230) from St. Xavier, Antonio Poole (6’ 1”/200) from Winton Woods and Andrew Smith (6’ 2”/200) from Colerain also unofficially visited UC on Saturday.

Daniels has seven offers and Poole has hit double digits with ten. Daniels’ suitors include the Bearcats, Boston College, Louisville and West Virginia while Poole’s list has UC, Michigan State, Kentucky and Purdue. Smith holds four offers from Cincinnati, Minnesota, Ball State and Western Kentucky. All three are juniors.

One of Kentucky’s hottest juniors made the trip north in the person of Lamar Dawson (LB) from Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky. The 6’ 2”/230 pound Dawson boasts nine offers including ones from Cincinnati, Northwestern, Stanford and Texas Tech.

Colerain’s junior running back Tyler Williams (5’ 7”/155) also attended the event with several teammates and his father. Williams has offers from Cincinnati, Ohio University and Kent State.

The junior that probably came the furthest to see the action was Alex Chisum (WR) from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia. The 6’ 2”/180 pound wideout has offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville and Mississippi St.

The event didn’t just draw juniors. There were at least four of Ohio’s higher profile sophomores in attendance as well. The group included Jamire Westbrook (RB) from Kings High School, William Mahone (RB) from Austintown Fitch High School, Joe Bolden (LB) from Colerain and Maty Mauk (QB) from Kenton High School. Maty Mauk is the younger brother of former UC signal caller, Ben Mauk. All three already have Cincinnati scholarship offers.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100425/SPT0101/304250028/1064/Spring+game+draws+recruits

 

[swg]

White Teams Wins Bearcat Bowl

CINCINNATI - The White Team earned a come-from-behind 60-55 victory over the Black Team on Saturday evening at Nippert Stadium in Bearcat Bowl IV.

The scoring system for Bearcat Bowl IV awarded points to both the offense and defense for attaining specific plays. The point system was as follows: Offense: Touchdown = 6 points, Field goal = 3, Extra point = 1, Every first down = 1, Every 20-yard play = 2. Defense: Score = 6 points, Turnover = 6, Three and out = 3, Kick field goal in red zone = 2, Negative yard play = 2, Fourth down stop = 2, Force special teams kick play = 2, Safety = 2, Third down stop = 1.

The White Team led, 43-27, after the first two periods. Darrin Williams scored on an 11-yard run for the first score. Kenbrell Thompkins scored on a 13-yard pass from Zach Collaros and Collaros hit DJ Woods on a two yard pass in the second period. With 15 first downs and four 20-yard plays and Jake Rogers connecting on 2-of-3 extra points, the White finished with 306 total yards in the first half.

Woods had the first 20-yard play on the second play of the game, taking a screen pass from Collaros 26 yards. Williams had a 20-yard catch from Collaros and Woods threw a 60-yard bomb to Vidal Hazelton on a play a fan called. Collaros found Orion Woodard on a 49-yard pass for the final 20-yard play of the first half.

The Black Team scored its points with six negative-yard plays, one three and out, and four third down stops. Dan Giordano, Aaron Roberson, and Chris Williams tallied big plays for negative yards.

With the clock running the final two periods, the Black Team turned up the pressure with Steve Hancock recording a sack that led to eight points on the first possession. Brady Slusher and DeMarkus Bracy each recorded sacks and Jake Rogers landed a 43-yard field goal but the Black Team out-scored the White Team on the second possession, 7-6.

The Black Team racked up 10 points on the next possession when Sean McClellan picked off a Chazz Anderson pass and returned it 33 yards. Trailing 52-49, the White Team stormed back, recording two first downs. Alex Delisi recorded a sack for the Black Team but Anderson calmly threw two touchdown passes to Lynell Payne, the second one counting for a touchdown (Payne was out of bounds on the first). Payne's 36-yard touchdown catch gave the White Team 11 points on the final possession, leading to the 60-55 victory.

Collaros finished with 18 completions on 20 attempts with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and 218 passing yards. Williams finished with a touchdown and 64 yards on 12 carries. Quentin Hines recorded 52 yards on nine carries, including an 18-yard blast.

Anderson was 5-for-10 with one touchdown and one interception and 61 yards. Woods had six catches and 88 yards and Hazelton finished with 83 yards on four receptions.

Cincinnati will open the 2010 season at Fresno State on Sept. 4.


http://www.gobearcats.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/042410aaa.html

 

[swg]

Post-Game Quotes

Opening Statement....

I thought our kids came out under the adverse conditions—I thought they handled it pretty well. You know, it's kind of a watered-down version of the spring game. I thought our kids handled the game situations. We'll go back and we'll evaluate. This is just another evaluation session and we'll see what guys we can win with in the fall.”

On performance of D.J. Woods....

“D.J. played exceptionally well. You know, he came up to me after the game and said,'Well coach, how'd I play?' D.J.'s been a model of consistency all spring. I thought that he had a good performance and I thought we blocked good on the perimeter for him on the bubbles as well.”

Will you let him throw the option pass during the regular season?

“Ssssh. You know we've had that with another players running it. That play is three-for-three now in spring football games.

On Woods and his yards after catch results....

“You know, I thought he did a good job of advancing the ball. We've talked about in our offense you've got to be able to catch and advance the ball and I thought he did a good job.”

On Collaros' accuracy....

“Zach, like I said, I thought the last week of spring practice he really clicked. He really got a great grasp of the offense and he looked a lot more comfortable. He looked a lot more comfortable in the pocket. His body position was much better than the first scrimmage. I thought that Zach continued to improve.”

What about the addition of Hazelton and Thompkins?

“Well, you know they bring so much. We're still waiting on the appeal with Kenbrell, but they're just another added dimension to our offense with D.J. in the slot and Marcus Barnett and obviously Armon Binns not participating in the spring game as well. As much as it adds depth, it adds competition each and every day and that's what we're looking for.”

On the first-team defense....

“I still wasn't pleased exceptionally well in terms of tackling. A lot of times, a lot of our mistakes occurred with the second defense and we've got to get that corrected. As you know, you're one step away. We'll go back and we'll look at things again.”

http://www.gobearcats.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/042510aaa.html

 

[swg]

Springer on the game

"I thought our kids came out under the adverse conditions--I thought they handled it pretty well. You know, it's kind of a watered-down version of the spring game. I thought our kids handled the game situations. We'll go back and we'll evaluate. This is just another evaluation session and we'll see what guys we can win with in the fall."




On performance of D.J. Woods....




"D.J. played exceptionally well. You know, he came up to me after the game and said,'Well coach, how'd I play?' D.J.'s been a model of consistency all spring. I thought that he had a good performance and I thought we blocked good on the perimeter for him on the bubbles as well."




Will you let him throw the option pass during the regular season?




"Ssssh. You know we've had that with another players running it. That play is three-for-three now in spring football games.




On Woods and his yards after catch results....




"You know, I thought he did a good job of advancing the ball. We've talked about in our offense you've got to be able to catch and advance the ball and I thought he did a good job."




On Collaros' accuracy....




"Zach, like I said, I thought the last week of spring practice he really clicked. He really got a great grasp of the offense and he looked a lot more comfortable. He looked a lot more comfortable in the pocket. His body position was much better than the first scrimmage. I thought that Zach continued to improve."




What about the addition of Hazelton and Thompkins?




"Well, you know they bring so much. We're still waiting on the appeal with Kenbrell, but they're just another added dimension to our offense with D.J. in the slot and Marcus Barnett and obviously Armon Binns not participating in the spring game as well. As much as it adds depth, it adds competition each and every day and that's what we're looking for."




On the first-team defense....




"I still wasn't pleased exceptionally well in terms of tackling. A lot of times, a lot of our mistakes occurred with the second defense and we've got to get that corrected. As you know, you're one step away. We'll go back and we'll look at things again."


http://www.gobearcats.com/blog/scott-springer/

 

[swg]

Katz on the spring game

It's a little bit rainy, and there aren't a ton of fans in the stand. Which is understandable and, for UC, a little unfortunate.

Getting ready to get started pretty soon.

There will be two 10-minute periods for the first half, and in the second half, they'll go with a running clock.

Here's the way it'll be scored:

Defensive score:
1 point third down stop
2 points fourth down stop
2 points safety
2 points force special teams kick
2 points negative yard play
2 points kick field goal in red zone
3 points three and out
6 points turnover
6 points defensive touchdown

Offensive scores
1 point first down
2 points 20-yard play
3 points field goal
6 points touchdown
1 point extra point

It'll be first-team offense vs. second-team defense and first-team defense vs. second-team defense.

Second play of the game, Collaros to D.J. Woods, who goes around the end for a 26-yard gain. Two plays later, a screen to Woods, who goes for 13 yards. The offense isn't having many problems so far, and Darrin Williams goes in for the 11-yard rushing TD. Jake Rogers' extra point is good.

Offense 10, Defense 0

Quentin Hines gets the first carry, and he's immediately dropped for a five-yard loss by Chris Williams. Chazz Anderson tries to hit Tomaz Hilton in the flat, but he's way off. A three and out for the defense.

Offense 11, Defense 8

Without Pead in there today because of injury, Darrin Williams is showing he's not bad either. D.J. Woods has been tough on those screens. Collaros has to scramble and Rob Trigg is credited with the sack (though the defense is playing two-hand touch with the QB). Another nice gain from Collaros to Woods. On third and 1, Williams gets it and gains the first down. Collaros is moving this offense, mostly with short routes and screens. He hasn't missed a pass yet. On third and four, he hits Kenbrell Thompkins for the first down. Then, he just rifles in a 13-yard pass to Thompkins for the touchdown. Yes, Collaros does have an arm.

Offense 24, Defense 12

Not a whole lot of running so far the offense. Content to let Collaros and Anderson to chuck it down the field.

End of first quarter
Offense 25, Defense 12

Collaros scrambles, avoids the sack and finds Darrin Williams for a long gain. OK, some people in the stands are going to call an offensive play for Butch Jones. But doesn't the defense know which play is coming. Collaros in a shotgun snap, a little screen to Quentin Hines for a 1-yard gain. Did the fan pick a screen play? Really? Rueben Haley with the INT, but Collaros would have been sacked by Aaron Roberson, so no turnover. Offense to punt.

Offense 32, Defense 17

A little trickery. Anderson pitches it to Woods on a reverse, who heaves it to an open Hazelton down the right sideline. That's a 60-yard pass to the 4-yard line. Hazelton can't believe he got caught short of the goal line. After a penalty, next thing you know, the Bearcats are at the 25-yard line. A little fullback action, hand off to Colin Lozier gains about two yards. Danny Milligan in for the 41-yard field goal, and it's no good. Looked off to the right.

Offense 32, Defense 27

Collaros airs it out and Orion Woodward makes the outstanding catch in double coverage. That's down to the 8-yard line. That was a 49-yard pass play. One play left with no time on the clock. Collaros rolls right and finds Woods in the back of the end zone for the 1-yard TD. On the extra point, Bruce Horner comes off the edge to block it.

Offense 42, Defense 28 (half)

Some stats: Darrin Williams has 47 yards on eight carries. Collaros is 17 of 19 for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Chazz Anderson is 3 of 6 for 19 yards. D.J. Woods has five catches for 69 yards, and Hazelton has four for 83.

Another 20-yard pass from Collaros to Woods. This is becoming routine. And now it's raining and raining hard. It'll be third and 17 for Anderson, and he scrambles for about seven yards. Rogers for the 43-yarder, and it's good.

Offense 49, Defense 42

Not a good pass by Anderson, who throws it directly to redshirt freshman Sean McClellan (formerly of the Dayton Daily News), who returns it 33 yards to the 5-yard line.

Defense 50, Offense 49 (end of the third)

Nice play by Alex Delisi to sack Anderson and force a fourth down. And then Anderson hits a wide open Lynell Payne for the 36-yard TD. Offense retakes the lead and the game ends with 4 minutes to go.

Offense 57, Defense 47 (final)


http://www.gobearcats.com/blog/katz-on-the-cats/

 

[JasonS]

Great write up Greatone! I wish I could have been there as well. I like the idea of a BCT outing at the spring game next year. Count me in.

 

[swg]

Awesome. Plus, I heard Ralph and Ready2go were buying, so....

 

[JasonS]

Awesome. Plus, I heard Ralph and Ready2go were buying, so....

I'll never pass up drinks on Ralph and Ready2go!

 

[psax889906]

Didn't know exactly where to put this but, Lynell Payne has decided to transfer out of the program to Youngstown St...

 

[swg]

Good place as any. Thanx for the info.