Fast forward the Bearcats seem to have found stability at the quarterback position Desmond Ridder put the American Athletic Conference on notice during his redshirt freshman season leading his team to an 11-2 record. Ridder was the AAC Freshman of the Year.
Now let’s point out a few BIG differences:
- While he was recruited by Tuberville (mainly current Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor) he has been able to play under Luke Fickell
- Ridder didn’t come in with the same fanfare or expectations as Kiel
- Ridder is a pure dual threat quarterback that can beat you in and outside the pocket, Kiel strength was in the pocket
After replacing Hayden Moore early in the first game of the season at UCLA, Ridder never looked back. He finished the season 194-of-311 passing for 2,445 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for 572 yards and five touchdowns. He only threw five interceptions as a freshman, maybe he takes more chances as a sophomore it could possibly go up, but as long as it doesn’t go an alarming rate all will be well.
He was injured against Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl as well and couldn’t finish the game, but this time Cincinnati was still able to get the win behind the gutsy play of senior Hayden Moore and a game defense. Besides being injured by the same team years apart it seems that’s when the similarities end.
Ridder’s great play has given #BearcatNation hope that after years of musical chairs at the most important position the field they have stability for the next three years. If he has another strong year he’ll be eligible to leave after the season is over, but even if that’s the case that means he’s played so well the NFL is drooling over the 6’4″ signal caller. This year he won’t be a secret teams will be planning for the talent that is Desmond Ridder.
I can’t predict the future, but if I was a betting man I think Ridder will give #BearcatNation the feeling that they wanted from Kiel. We shall see how it plays out, only time will tell.
