Fans had the opportunity to see new Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby in action for the first time following his departure from Indiana. Sorsby displayed his three-level passing abilities which included a huge 30-yard touchdown to the back pile on to true freshman wide receiver Kale Woodburn. Sorsby also completed a tight throw to Sterling Berkhalter on the run through double coverage that wowed many fans. However, it was clear to see that Sorsby’s ability to get out and stretch the pocket could be a difference-maker at that quarterback position and that play to Berkhalter was a prime example of that.
However, Brady Lichtenberg isn’t shying away from the quarterback battle after having yet another solid day at the office. Lichtenberg was able to get out and use his legs to extend some plays as well and become a viable option in the quarterback run game. Now for Lichtenberg, the one play he wished he had back was an interception in the end zone where Logan Wilson did a great job reading the route and came away with an interception that was later returned for a touchdown on the final play of the day.
“I thought the quarterbacks had solid days today,” Satterfield told reporters following the game. “We have such great people there in the quarterback room. They are trying to help each other, but also trying to compete along the way. They all want to play and do their best.”
True freshman Samaj Jones took advantage of his opportunities on Saturday after working with the third-team offense. Jones made a couple of nice throws in the passing game, but was able to open things up with his ability to be an option in the quarterback run game. Jones, finished with two touchdowns on the afternoon, including a 15-yard scramble on a quarterback draw for the first score of the afternoon.
Jones provides a lot of options for Satterfield, especially with his athletic abilities, and it is safe to say that he fits the mold of current NFL quarterbacks with the size frame he has at such a young age. “Samaj did 17 reps of 225 on the bench press, which is stronger than some of the linebackers that have been here,” joked Satterfield.
Wide receivers Kale Woodburn and Sterling Berkhalter capped off their fantastic spring camp with another great showing in the Spring Game. Woodburn hauled in a huge touchdown catch but has shown his blazing speed over the recent weeks. Berkhalter has had a fantastic spring and has shown to be reliable at the wide receiver position, and they could be a guy who has an expanded role for the Bearcats moving forward.
Berkhlater possesses great size standing, 6’3″ and 200 pounds, with quick twitch and mobility. However, Berkhalter struggled to find his footing in 2023, but has shown this spring that he could be a vital piece alongside a guy like Xzavier Henderson on the outside.
Cincinnati knew the defensive line would be a priority this offseason after Jowon Briggs and Danial Grezisiak both declared for the NFL. Cincinnati also lost reserve defensive tackle Justin Wodtly transferred to Arizona State, while Tyler Gillison also made the transition to linebacker.
Mikah Coleman and Jalen Hunt both have continued to impress on the defensive side of the ball. Coleman transferred to Cincinnati from Eastern Michigan in December, as it is now clear why Scott Satterfield and company made him a priority this offseason once he entered the transfer portal. The duo flashed on Saturday as both Hunt and Coleman recorded “Sacks” in the spring game.
