ESPN Names Ivan Pace Jr. UC's top Newcomer for the 2022 Season

CINCINNATI — Luke Fickell's team checked in at No. 19 in ESPN's first rankings for the 2022 offseason, and an impact transfer helped that status. The site marked incoming linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. as the Cincinnati's top instant-impact newcomer for the 2022 season.

"Cincinnati has become known for great defense, and the defense is losing quite a few pieces after this season," Tom VanHaaren wrote. "The team's leading tackler, linebacker Joel Dublanko, is not returning, so that production needs to be replaced. Pace led Miami (Ohio) in total tackles last season with 125 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and three pass breakups. He was all over the field and still has a few years of eligibility left to play for Cincinnati."

Pace Jr. is the brother of Deshawn Pace, who also plays linebacker for the Bearcats. The family business was booming with big plays on rival teams in 2021. Pace Jr. posted 19 quarterback pressures on just 46 rushes last season.

Now that talent is pushing forward on the same defense.

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