Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Deshawn Pace (20) stands by between drills during practice at the Higher Ground training facility in West Harrison, Ind., on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021. Cincinnati Bearcats Football Camp — © Sam Greene/The Enquirer via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Fall Camp Storylines: Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Linebackers

A lead running back emerging, wide receiver breakthroughs, and playmaking linebackers headline the annual trip to Higher Ground.

Author:
Alex Frank
Jul 27, 2022 12:08 PM EDT

In this story:

Cincinnati Bearcats

MACON — The Cincinnati Bearcats are gearing up for Fall Camp in preparation for a third straight American Athletic Conference Championship.

There is a slew of storylines to follow as we head into August, including the running back room and who will emerge as the lead back. On top of who steps up in a suddenly talented wide receiver room and the potential of what could be a really good linebacking corps.

Running Backs

This position might be the most interesting on the roster right now. Former four-star, Cincinnati-based recruit Corey Kiner transferred home in the Spring, but does that make him the automatic lead back? What will his exact role be?

That's a legitimate question, considering Ryan Montgomery and Charles McClelland are already here. Montgomery is entering his fourth season with the team, but his role will be bigger this year than it's ever been. If McClelland can stay healthy, this offense can be extremely versatile. We've seen that, but McClelland has suffered season-ending injuries in two of his four seasons.

And what about Ethan Wright IV? He flashed potential last year, but now he's moving to safety. Could he still be used as a running back, even in a minimal role this year?

Wide Receivers

The wideouts are a position group the Bearcats have not been prolific in over the years, but that could change this year. Tyler Scott broke out last year and was second on the team in receptions.

Now, add Hawaii transfer Nick Mardner to the corps, and pair him with Scott and speed demon Tre Tucker, and this receiving group can take the top off of any defense.

This receiving corps is built on big-play ability, but it's also important to have at least one pass-catcher who can play in the slot and pick up those hard-earned yards. If that happens, this receiving corps will be pretty hard to stop.

Linebackers

The men in the middle may be the most talented position on the team. Just look at who's leading it. Deshawn Pace may be the best player on this team. ... period.

He can tackle, he can make plays on the ball, he has All-American potential, and now he's teamed up with his brother. Ivan Pace Jr. brings a lot of potential to this team following his transfer from Miami (OH).

Wil Huber is about to break out. He's entering his sixth year and plays with contagious passion and intensity. Jaheim Thomas was a highly-touted four-star recruit from Princeton High School, and this year may finally be the year we get to see him on the field in a Bearcats uniform.

Make sure you bookmark All Bearcats for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more.

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