The 2018 Sun Belt Coach of the Year and 2019 ACC Coach of the Year will hit the field this week looking to improve on his least productive season on the sidelines. Last year’s 3-9 campaign at the University of Cincinnati was a career-low for Scott Satterfield, albeit with a new team in a highly competitive Big 12.
Heading into his second season, the Bearcat staff has assembled 47 new scholarship players through the transfer portal and high school signees to complement 2023’s holdovers. Those include AP All-American guard Luke Kandra, defensive lineman Dontay Corleone, punter Mason Fletcher, leading receiver Xzavier Henderson and Maxwell Award watch list running back Corey Kiner. Kandra and Corleone both made the Outland Trophy preseason list Tuesday.
How will the next month shake out leading up to the Aug. 31 Nippert Stadium opener vs. Towson?
Here are 8 Bearcat position battles to watch (in order of fan interest)
1. Quarterbacks
Everybody always asks about the quarterbacks, so they get first listing as former signal-caller Satterfield picks his “go to” guy. UC’s coach said at Big 12 media days that he hoped for competition into mid-August, but in all likelihood, Indiana transfer Brendan Sorsby gets the call on Aug. 31. With seven starts at Indiana and 15 touchdowns with just five interceptions, the 6-foot-3, 228-pound redshirt sophomore offers the most experience. Plus, he can aggressively run.
“You turn that tape on and he’s obviously making some great throws but he’s running hard,” Satterfield said of Sorsby’s Indiana highlights. “He’s trying to run over people, trying to fight for extra yards. That really caught my eye.”
Redshirt junior Brady Lichtenberg was last year’s backup, while true freshman Samaj Jones was here for spring ball and impressed during the spring game when he was allowed to go “live”.
“As we all know, you better have at least two or three guys ready to go at that position,” Satterfield said.
2. Offensive line
UC and Oklahoma State are the lone Big 12 teams returning their entire offensive line. UC’s John Williams, Luke Kandra, Gavin Gerhardt, Dartanyan Tinsley and Deandre Buford played a part in the Bearcats having the No. 5 rushing attack in the country (217.1 yards per game). That said, redshirt senior Phillip Wilder, Maine transfer Xavier Lozowicki, Jonathan Harder and Huber Heights Wayne product Evan Tengesdahl are among those fighting for snaps themselves.
“I feel we have at least nine guys that can go out and play at the offensive line position,” Satterfield said.
3. Defensive backs
Wholesale changes and defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt’s new 3-3-5 scheme should help UC’s secondary. Returning at corner is Jordan Young who had 22 tackles, seven pass breakups and an interception. New to the ‘Cats are Virginia Tech transfer Derrick Canteen who represented the team at Big 12 media days, Kentucky transfer Jordan Robinson. and Idaho transfer Ormanie Arnold who had two picks last season for the Vandals.
“Jordan Young had a very positive spring,” Veidt said. “Derrick Canteen did a great job. He’s durable,, he’s smart, he has leadership qualities.”
Canteen had 43 tackles and a pick for the Hokies last year and in 2020 was the FBS leader in interceptions at Georgia Southern with six. Robinson from Kentucky offers up a 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame. Redshirt sophomore Kalen Carroll started the last four games of 2023 at cornerback for the Bearcats and is also part of the mix.
Numerous transfers are at safety including 6-foot-2, 200-pound Josh Minkins Jr. from Louisville who brings familiarity with Satterfield. Assistant Kerry Coombs recruited redshirt sophomore Kye Stokes from Ohio State and Logan Wilson of North Texas was a two-year captain for the Mean Green. After being a backup at the hybrid star position last season, Colerain’s Ken Willis is also at safety now after playing in each game and recording two interceptions.
At the star this year are New Mexico State transfer Mekhi Miller who had 60 tackles and two interceptions last season and Antwan Peek Jr., a redshirt sophomore.
4. Defensive line
The big question is whether highly-regarded redshirt junior nose guard Dontay Corleone plays after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in June. He has since returned to conditioning and weightlifting work and made appearances at events. If not, 6-foot-4, 305-pound Jalen Hunt likely steps into the middle with redshirt senior Eric Phillips on the edge.
“Corleone’s been back to training and working with our team,” Satterfield said. “He seems to be in great shape mentally and is ready to go. We’re very optimistic about him and his future here as a Bearcat.”
The Bearcats do have one expected starter already out as Eastern Michigan transfer Mikah Coleman will miss the season with a lower leg injury. He conceivably has two more available seasons with a medical redshirt. Redshirt senior Darian Varner, a veteran of Temple and Wisconsin (2023) is one candidate to replace him along with redshirt junior Rob Jackson and freshman Marquaze Parker.
5. Tight ends
The Bearcats lost their top two from last year to the portal but gained Elder product Joe Royer from Ohio State….
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