Spotlight with Artrell Hawkins: Aaron Webster

One of the most over played stories this spring is that UC lost 10 players from last years defense.  That means one starter is coming back,  free safety Aaron Webster.   Wednesday after practice our Artrell Hawkins caught up with Aaron to talk about the many changes that took place during the winter.

Friday after practice Artrell will talk to Aarons position coach, Kery Coombs.   Artrell is working with Bearcat Sports Page as part of his preparation as a side line reporter for Bearcat Bowl II.    April 25  FSN Sports   7:00

Spotlight with Artrell Hawkins

We at Bearcat Sports Page.com are excited to announce that this spring we have joined forces with a former Bearcat football star,  Artrell Hawkins.  Not only has Artrell brought experience to our class as a former NFL player, but he's also bringing insight to our web site as a correspondent.  This past Saturday Artrell  hooked up with UC quarterback Tony Pike after practice to get his thoughts on spring ball, and the up coming year.

Artrell will have an interview with defensive back coach Kerry Coombs next week.

Coaches Clinic

This past weekend the Bearcats opened up everything from practice to team meetings for area high school coaches.  The two day clinic started Friday morning and went through Saturday afternoon practice.  It's a great opportunity for both parties to get to know each other and to share ideas.

We asked a few of the coaches in attendance what they get out of coming to Clifton for a weekend clinic.

So after a weekend in Clifton, that included watching two practices, we wanted to know what stood out about a Bearcats practice?

Fundamentals and Hitting

Spring practice is filled with instruction and fundamentals, but it also involves some hitting.  Saturday afternoon the Bearcats strapped the pads on.  Here is a quick glimpse of some of the drills, including one of the players favorites....one on one kick off coverage.

Monday the team will be involved with several opening day festivities that include the parade, holding a large American Flag during pre game ceremonies, and Coach Brian Kelly delivering the game ball. 

Spring, With a Starting QB?

This marks the first spring practice in the "Brian Kelly Era" that the starting quarterback for the fall is already known.   Last season Tony Pike was thrust into the starting role when Dustin Grutza went down to injury.    Pike was also injured during the season giving opportunity to others, but as spring practice opened up he is the clear cut starter. 

With 10 starters from last seasons defense lost to graduation the emphasis will be on offense.  Head coach Brian Kelly even joked last week that the team may be winning games this season 52-50.   Not that he lacks confidence in his defense as much as he has confidence in his offense.

As the leader of that offense, Tony Pike likes what he hears.

One gap the team is hoping to fill this spring is to find some leaders.  Hit the play button again and listen to Tony talk up the defense on the first day of spring practice, that is the sign of leadership.

Spring Football Practice Starts

Spring football practice got under way Tuesday morning and here is a quick look at what went on.   Video from practice with interviews mixed in.

Bearcat Sports Page.com is where you will find the most complete coverage of spring practice at Nippert Stadium.

Marcus Barnett a Defensive back?

Spring practice kicked off Tuesday morning with a few surprises.  Demetrius Jones, the QB transfer from Notre Dame, has traded in his #2 quarterback jersey for a #44 linebacker jersey.  That move had already been talked about over the winter.  The biggest surprise might have been when sophomore wide receiver Marcus Barnett was wearing a black jersey and working out with the defensive backs.  

One of the big stories heading into spring is how the team will replace the 10 seniors they lost from the defensive side of the ball, including both starting defensive backs.  The media at Tuesdays practice was quick to ask Brian Kelly about the switch, and his thought process behind it.

Barnett was quickly surrounded by members of the media to get his thoughts on the switch.  Last years "experiment" of moving Connor Barwin to defense certainly worked out well for everyone.

Going into spring practice the coaching staff has a number of receivers to look at, one of the reasons Barnett is being looked at as a defensive back.  However, questions still remain.  Number one being, will Vidal Hazelton be able to play this fall.  He is the highly acclaimed transfer from USC.  UC is currently working with the NCAA to see if Hazelton could be eligible for the Bearcats this year.   That decision will have an effect on the future of Marcus Barnett as a defensive back.