Spring Practice: Tuesday

Easter weekend gave the Bearcats a couple of extra days off,  but Tuesday it was back to work in pads.  Goal line and short yardage situations were part of the workout to get the juices flowing.

After practice one of the subjects brought up by the media to Coach Kelly was the progress of sophomore running back Isaiah Pead.

Strangely enough after Coach Kelly talked about his sophomore running back, Artrell Hawkins caught up with Isaiah when practice was over.

The next time we can talk to players and coaches is Saturday.

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?

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.

How Do You Recruit When Snow Cancels School?

Recruiting on the collegiate level is a difficult enough process without outside influences getting in the mix. For the past few weeks ice and snow storms have closed schools throughout the Ohio Valley, and when that's where you do most of your recruiting it can be a problem. Wednesday at the "signing day" press conference we asked the assistant coaches how the snow days effected their daily job out on the road?

Quite a few high schools were closed in the Cincinnati area on Wednesday but it had no effect on the staff at UC. What it did do was delay some of the "pageantry' that goes on at the schools when the students sign the letter in front of school officials, parents and the media.

Signing Day: Part 2

This is part two of our press conference coverage from signing day at UC.  After going over each of the 27 young men they signed one by one Coach Kelly gave this quick synopsis.

One of the over riding themes was that the staff had seen the kids at their summer camp and that gave them the in depth evaluation you can't get just from watching game film.  The success the program has helped attract good high school talent to campus.

Success has also helped land the Bearcats on television.  This allows kids from all over the country to see UC football, and they like what they see.  

Being on television certainly helps with the junior college kids.  Years ago they would not have been exposed to UC football they way they were this past season.  One of those Juco's is a Cincinnati native, Jamar Howard.  Here is Coach Kelly talking about his new wide receiver as well as another Juco that can help next year on the defensive side of the ball.

So along with these two guys, who else out of the 27 could have an impact as early as next season?

With the 2009 class now in place the staff gets a few days, then it's back to work defending their Big East title.

Bearcat Sports Page.com would like to congratulate Coach Kelly and his staff on the class of 2009.  It was mentioned during the press conference, but the amount of time put in by the entire staff is amazing.  During his presentation at US Bank Arena Coach Kelly said that one day while he was out recruiting he found himself on Broadway and 57th in the morning then later that evening he was once again on Broadway and 57th.  Morning was New York, evening was Los Angeles.  Also of note, this was all done on commercial airlines, no private jet like some use.

We would like to thank Coach Kelly, his staff, Ryan Koslen, and the rest of the UC administration for all of their help, support and cooperation during the season and beyond.

Signing Day: Locals, Wide Outs and Defense

Wednesday afternoon head coach Brian Kelly stepped to the podium and announced his 2009 recruiting class. 27 young men that will help form the future of UC football. According to experts this class has one 4 star recruit and a hand full of three star recruits, but how many 1,2 and three star guys helped with the Big East? Interestingly enough the Big East championship and the Orange Bowl had very little influence on this class. They were already on board.


A complete list of recruits can be found at gobearcats.com. When you see it you will notice a great "local" flavor.






When Coach Kelly took an over view of the class he compared it to an NFL teams draft. Each class contains top draft picks that will play sooner, and some will have to be developed.

Looking at the team needs. Wide receiver has been addressed.

It's well known that the "Orange Bowl Bearcats" were full of seniors on defense. How will this class help fill that void?



Bearcat Sports page.Com will have more comments from Coach Kelly tomorrow. Other topics discussed were the influence being on TV had on some of the recruits and how the summer camp at UC helps strengthen the recruiting process.

Miami Bound, The Adventure Has Started

This afternoon at 3:00 the Bearcat football team touched down in Miami to officially begin their Orange Bowl Experience. The buses left campus this morning at 11:30 and Bearcat Sports Page.com was on hand. The team got together this morning for the first time since they parted ways last Saturday. A team meeting took the players right up to the 11:30 departure so Coach Kelly and Connor Barwin were the only available interviews. Here is what they had to say.

I don't know how many times he has answered the same question, but Coach Kelly continues to stress that they are going to Miami to win a football game, not sight see. He definitely wants his players, especially the seniors to get the most out of the BCS experience so no one has to look back and say "what if".

Ground Breaking For Bubble

Ironically on a rainy day the University broke ground on the new practice facility that includes a practice dome, or bubble. Athletic Director Mike Thomas, Brian Kelly and several players were on hand for the big event. It took place near the storage barns on Jefferson Ave where the facility will be built. Three important facts about this. First off, the money for this project is still being raised, it's not bought and paid for yet. Secondly, this will not take money away from academic side of the school, it's all private funds. Last but not least, this facility is for the entire university not just football. All sports will use it, as will the student body for intramurals and other programs.

Quite a bit of work, both construction and financial, lie ahead. However, if things go as planned the facility should be completed by late next year.

They Need Each Other

Most of the attention this week has surrounded the football team.  A strange circumstance considering the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shoot Out is Saturday night.    UC is establishing themselves on the national stage with football, and basketball may not be to far away from returning to that stage as well.  Ohio State, Florida, and Texas are a few programs that have achieved the "double power play", UC could be crashing the party soon?

To our knowledge, UC has never had both football and basketball ranked in the top 25 at the same time.

2 FOR 2

For the second year in a row Brian Kelly brought home the Big East Coach of the Year honor. In only his second year at UC, and in the conference he is 2 for two becoming the first coach to win back to back honors since Miami's Larry Coker won in 2001-2002. Again, just like last year, the team also has the conferences best special teams player. Last year it was punter Kevin Huber, this year the honor goes to Mardy Gilyard. The speedy receiver returned two kick offs for touchdowns this year along with a 28 yard average. This should be the first of many honors this coach and his team will receive this year.

Bearcat Day in Hamilton County

As part of their meeting this morning the Hamilton County Commission recognized the UC football team for their accomplishments this season. Commission President Todd Portune gave Brian Kelly a bowl of oranges and a proclamation declaring it UC Bearcat Football Team day all across the county.

The way these student athletes conduct themselves away from the field is a tremendous accomplishment regardless of what bowl game they play in. The entire tri-state area should be proud of these fine young men that represent them each time they put on a jersey with "Cincinnati" across the front. Most of the players, including Coach Kelly are not from the Cincinnati area. However, they have all become Cincinnatians and play for the pride of the city as well as the University.

In Novermber the team received a similar recognition from Cincinnati Mayor, Mark Mallory, and city council.

The Party Just Started!

NEWS FLASH: UC OFF TO ORANGE BOWL

News flash #2: It's December and it should be cold. Not that it was a secret but as far as drama, there was very little Sunday night at Fifth Third area as far as where the Bearcats would be celebrating New Years Eve. Okay...the drama was lacking but excitement certainly filled the void. Who cared? UC was off to a BCS bowl game, orange or sugar. Last year it was pizza, this year it's a South Beach diet.

We are sure the local news gave you plenty of player and coach interview segments, here at Bearcat Sports Page.com we give you more. For example Brian Kelly's "pre selection" speech to the fans that gathered on a cold Sunday night at Fifth Third Arena.

As far as player interviews, we turned a player into the interviewer. Connor Barwin took the

microphone and talked to a couple of team mates, and his head coach.

We want to thank Connor for his help. He's been great to work with all season. On cold days after practice while all of the other guys are in the locker room, Connor is the last guy in. He's on the phone with a radio show or talking to the media. Where ever he goes in the NFL, he will be a media favorite from day one. Thanks to Connor, his team mates and Coach Kelly for giving us some time on this special and weary night. The team got back on campus at 2:00 today, and final exam week starts Monday.

Business Trip, With Sun

No that's not Tony Pike catching a wave off of Waikiki Beach, Craig Carey...maybe. The Cats landed in Hawaii yesterday but this is no vacation. It's a business trip in a nice place.

Tuesday's press conference was dominated with talk about stadium expansion and Coach Kelly signing a contract in blood with the media that he would never leave. However, there was some talk about football and here are some segments from that side of Tuesday.

First off Hawaii, last year a BCS Bowl team but this year they have a new coach. The biggest challenge for UC is the travel and the environment.

After a month of "must win games" how does the team get hyped up for a game that on paper means nothing? Don't tell them that, this game has tremendous meaning. Does this team still have goals left on the chalkboard from summer training camp at Camp Higher Ground in Harrison?

Yes, the team wants to win and they are focused. But remember this is Hawaii, how many of us got to see this Pacific Paradise when we were 19 or 20 years old?

Back in 2003 the Bearcat's dream trip to Hawaii turned out to be a nightmare. A 20-19 loss was accompanied by penalty flags and questionable calls that ended in a bench clearing brawl. Enquirer writer Bill Koch captured the memory of that trip well in his article Thursday. Coach Kelly says that was in the past, and it helps that Big East officials will be calling the game. Pay attention to the end of the clip when he jokes about the officials being on the same flight.

We want to thank Coach Kelly and DeAngelo Smith for talking with us Tuesday. Remember the game is late on Saturday, 11:30PM on ESPN2. The team arrives back in town at 2:00 Sunday afternoon then has the Selection Celebration at 8:00. After that they hit the books....finals next week. How many guys took books to Hawaii to get ahead? They are off until Dec 15th when they start practicing for the bowl.

BK TO STAY!!!!!

The normal routine for the weekly press conference is to discuss the future opponent, today the discussion was about the future of UC football...and it includes Brian Kelly! A meeting was held earlier in the day between Coach Kelly, Athletic Director Mike Thomas, UC President Nancy Zimpher, and UC Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Wyler. The future of UC football was the basis for the meeting and at the end it includes some structural upgrades and Biran Kelly as the head coach.

Mike Thomas addressed the media first and talked about the positive direction the meeting had. The practice facilities are already in the works and should be completed within the time table. Expansion of Nippert Stadium is a much larger project, but Mr. Thomas said that the need for expansion is understood by the leaders of the University.

Two years ago when Brian Kelly was being hired for the UC job the same four people met in an airport hanger in Michigan and the discussion was the same. The only difference is, back then it was a five year plan. By winning the Big East the time table has been moved up a few years. Either way Coach Kelly was happy enough with what was being said two years ago to take the job, and today he was happy enough with what he heard to stay.


Along with keeping Coach Kelly most fans want to keep Nippert Stadium. Future expansion of the stadium is definitely part of the plan. In his travels Mike Thomas has been involved with major stadium projects at Virginia and Akron. Coach Kelly says that Mike Thomas is the right man at the right time for this project.

After an opening speech about staying at UC more questions surfaced. Coach Kelly said that his representation has made it clear that he was not entertaining any offers, but what about Notre Dame? What if they come calling?

Bottom line is that it's a great day for UC football. Brian Kelly is committed to UC as long as it's leadership is committed to him and what he wants to get done. The fans should be as enthused with the leaders at UC as they are the football team. Mike Thomas, Nancy Zimpher, and Jeff Wyler should be commended for backing up what they promised Coach Kelly when they hired him.

Remembering Glenn Sample

Last weekend the UC family lost a great friend when Glenn Sample passed away. In his decades of service to the University he touched so many lives, including Coach Brian Kelly. Earlier this week Coach Kelly talked about his first encounter with Coach Sample.

Produce Sale, Magic Acts and Seniors

Staying focused is what the UC football team is all about this week. That was evident in the press conference today on campus with head Coach Brian Kelly. Staying away from the hoopla surrounding the team, it's just another "big game". Senior defensive end Lamonte Nelms joined coach Kelly. Lamonte answered several questions about being a senior and what this means to him. Coach Kelly hit on a number of topics, including daughters magic show.
Here are some of the highlights:
The Pitt game was just another step, oranges are just produce:


Saturday was playing for the city, not just the school.


Is it tough playing so many "historic big games" in a row?


Up next, another big game. Syracuse is a good team.


19 seniors will step on the field for their last game Saturday.

What if Pitt wins Friday and you don't have to win Saturday?

As we do each week we would like to thank Coach Kelly, Lamonte Nelms and the UC athletic administration for taking time out of their day to meet with us today. We will have more players comments today after practice and a special message for students about getting to the game Saturday. you need to be there to help this team again this weekend!!!!!!

Pitt, Logo's and a Fleecing

Bearcat Sports Page.com attended the weekly football press conference. Today's features speakers were Connor Barwin, Dominick Goodman and of course Coach Brian Kelly.
Here is a video recap of the topics discussed. The last one is great by the way.

The excitement of playing Pitt with a conference title on the line.

Last years loss at Pitt was a low point. Enquirer reporter Bill Koch asked the players and coach Kelly if that was the most upset the coach had been following a loss.

Did you expect to be in this position this soon, with a conference title? Paul Daugherty asked if Coach Kelly was expecting to be in this position this quickly looking at the team roster when he took the job.

What about "calling out the fans" after the game Friday. Folowing the game Friday night Coach Kelly expressed his thoughts on how the Pitt game should be sold out and it should be the toughest ticket in the city. If not he said that he would be "ticked". Did those comments get him in trouble?

Did you ever think about keeping an eye on the "C-Paw" at Nippert? We all know the "controversial" history Louisville has with UC and thier mid field logo.

Have you noticed that Coach Kelly is wearing a red fleece in some segments and a blue shirt in others? He awarded his new fleece to a press member for asking good questions. Enquirer reporter Bill Koch was the recipient.

We would like to thank the athletic department, Coach Kelly, Connor Barwin, and Dominick Goodman for taking time out of their day to answer questions. Bearcat Sports Page will be attending practice later Tuesday afternoon and will speak to the players about the emotional win this past weekend at Louisville. One other bit of news from today's conference is that Tony Pike is doing well, Coach Kelly joked that with Dustin Grutza " nipping at his heels" he is feeling ready to go. We will hopefully catch up with Dustin after practice today.

Not Lucky, Focused,and Looking for Keg of Nails

Todays UC football press conference:
Adam Hoppel: Senior Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Lisbon, OH
Major: Marketing
Brian Kelly: Head Coach
Second Year
Senior Adam Hoppel started off talking about how UC is no longer the underdog, they are the favorite. However, that has not changed his focus on finally winning the Keg of Nails. But we will start off with some thoughts from the game Saturday. It was a roller coaster, but Coach Kelly says they won on talent and determination, not luck.

Up next is Louisville, a team Adam Hoppel has never beaten. Coach Kelly talks about the task of getting the players to play with the same intensity week in and week out no matter who you play.

Going into the game Friday, UC is a 3.5 point favorite. The Bearcats can't sneak up on people anymore. Brian Kelly was asked about being the hunted and wearing the bulls eye now.

Now the task as hand for this team is to finish the job. The win Saturday is worth nothing unless they beat Louisville, Pitt and Syracuse.

Coach Kelly shared his philosophy on winning. It's simple. There is no time to enjoy the win Saturday, there is still work to be done. Wait until the ultimate prize is in hand before you celebrate.

Finally Coach Kelly talked about preparing his team for another short week.. Something they have gotten used too. This is their 4th game in 21 days.

Amazingly enough there were no questions about Coach Kelly being on any ones "hot list" for jobs. Everyone probably knew that there is no was that he could give any type of response to such speculation, especially when this team is in the position it's in. Bearcat Sports Page. com would like to again thank the athletic department, Coach Kelly and Adam Hoppel for taking time out of their day for us.

Rumors, Why Ask?

With the win over West Virginia the spotlight is beginning to shine on Clifton. That means one thing. Brain Kelly will be on every ones list to be the next coach in Knoxville, Clemson or South Bend. Keep in mind Charlie Weis has not been fired, that's part two of the speculation. Lucky for us, now that all of the political speculation is over we can move on to this. Bearcat Sports page .com will be at the weekly press conference today and will bring you complete coverage of Coach Kelly's "non response" to the "hot list " question. In a nut shell here is what we are expecting: " As of right now no one has contacted me about anything, I'm just concentrating on Cincinnati and beating Louisville this week." Check back this afternoon for the video version of this.

Photo courtesy: University of Cincinnati

The Big Game, Healing QB's and the Hot List

Tuesday afternoon the UC football team had their weekly news conference. Along with Head Coach Brian Kelly Senior Defensive Back DeAngelo Smith met with the media.

Here is a recap of some of the topics that were discussed.

Going to West Virginia. It's a big game and a big game atmosphere.

DeAngelo Smith said that this is a"historic game" for the school. Coach Kelly said that games like the one at Oklahoma help prepare the team for games like this.

Early season losses by West Virginia.

Coach Kelly addresses why he thinks the Mountaineers lost two games back in September. At East Carolina 24-3 then at Colorado 17-14 (OT).

Dustin Grutza back on the field.

Senior QB Dustin Grutza is back on the practice field. Today Coach Kelly will determine if he will be the #2 quarterback this week or #3. Pike will start, but Grutza could be in a position to start next week against Louisville if the circumstances dictated.

Tony Pike almost 100%.

Coming off of a tremendous outing last Thursday night against USF Tony Pike is down to just a soft wrap on his left forearm. The hard cast is gone, however direct snaps are still not in the cards. Coach Kelly is looking forward to the day when he has a choice between Pike and Grutza.

Being on the Hot List.

With big time head coaching jobs opening up across the country Brian Kelly's name is being brought up the media already. At today's press conference he was asked about being on the "hot list" and joked that it's better than being on the list of guys that got fired. As expected he can't address this topic because it's so early in the process to know who's on what list. Here is his banter with the reporters on the subject. His focus is clearly on his current team and their trip to West Virginia.