Big 12 Media days has officially begun in Las Vegas, Nevada where all 16 Head Coaches and select players spoke to the media for one of the first times this season.
Now for Cincinnati, there was a lot of question heading into this season after finishing just 3-9 in their first season in the Big 12 under head coach Scott Satterfield. Despite it not being the season Satterfield and Cincinnati was anticipating for, they have upped the intensity heading into this season in hopes of getting back on track to a positive winning record heading into the 2024-2025 season.
Some quick take aways from Scott Satterfield’s opening press conference from Las Vegas and what to expect from the Bearcats this season.
Dontay Corleone Update
As I noted earlier, Dontay Corleone is back working out with the team after being ruled out indefinitely due to a non-football related illness. That is probably the greatest news surrounding the Cincinnati program after a scary diagnosis. Satterfield mentioned he returned to football activities last week and has practiced the last two days with the team back in Cincinnati. Now, it is worth noting that the Cincinnati medical staff and Scott Satterfield will have another update surrounding the All-American as they head into fall camp in two weeks, but as of right now, things tend to be treading in the right way for Corleone to be able to get back on the field this season.
47 new Scholarship players ahead of the 2025 season
Like years in the past, teams continue to experience roster turnovers with the transfer portal, NIL and much more all coming into play as teams continue to see rosters turnover year in and out. However, for Cincinnati, they welcome in 47 new transfers, with 12 of those coming in the defensive back room as that seemed to be the number one priority for the Bearcats in the transfer portal this offseason.
Jordan Young is the only returner for the Bearcats secondary from the 2023 season and is expected to be the starter at the boundary cornerback position. However, who are some guys who could step in and see significant time filling in the back half of Tyson Veidt’s 3-3-5 defense, which will have three safeties and two corner backs.
A couple names to keep an eye on, Virginia Tech transfer Derrick Canteen, who is expected to play safety in this new defensive scheme. Canteen brings 42 games of experience including 28 career starts over his collegiate career. Canteen finished the 2023 season with 43 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception in 2023 for the Hokies.
Among those who could also see significant snaps in the secondary include Idaho transfer Ormanie Arnold, Ohio State transfer Kye Stokes, New Mexico State transfer Mekhi Miller, and Kentucky transfer Jordan Robinson.
We struggled last year in secondary. We gave up a lot of plays,” said Satterfield. “We were one of the worst teams giving up big plays in the country last year. We knew we had to shore up the back end. Those players that you mentioned that we brought in, most of those guys came in the spring. We’re able to go through the spring practice, those 15 practices, really learn the new defense and find positions for those guys.”
“We feel like those guys have certainly helped us out, did not give up those big plays, and they will help us as we go throughout this season.”
Tyson Veidt addition and What To Expect
“It’s a new scheme. We all had to learn it, including returning players, but also all the guys we brought in.,” said Satterfield. “In total I think we have twelve new defensive backs when you count the freshmen and the transfer guys. However, the new defense we’re basically playing with five defensive backs with three safeties, and two corners, and hopefully we’ll put a much better product on the field to stop people.”
Veidt comes to Cincinnati after spending the past nine seasons at Iowa State under Matt Campbell. Campbell and Satterfield both spent times at Toledo before going there separate ways throughout their respected coaching journey. Now, for Campbell, he gave tremendous praise to Veidt and the job he has done over the years and what Cincinnati fans should expect.
“Tyson was such a great anchor for us defensive at Iowa State,” said Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. ” I have the upmost respect for Cincinnati, but most importantly the Cincinnati program. Tyson did a great job interviewing for that job this offseason. Scott made a great hire. I think those two will make a great team together for sure.”
Cincinnati veteran presence.
We have heard all offseason about how difficult this offseason was for the Bearcats following the 2023 season. Scott Satterfield has mentioned this would be one of the hardest offseason players have experienced at Cincinnati as they look to right the ship following a 3-9 season.
Headlined by veterans Luke Kandra, Jack Dingle, Corey Kiner, Dontay Corleone and many more. The Bearcats are looking to get back on track after being projected to finish 14th in the Big 12 Media Preseason Polls.
We we’re able to sit with players and discuss the difference between the 2023 and 2024 team and what the team is looking forward to do heading into the 2024 season. “This was by far the hardest offseason I have had,” Luke Kandra said. “The difference from this season compared to last year was the comradery of our teammates. Last year there was times people argued but now everyone is all on the same page working together heading into fall camp.”
Revamped Tight End room.
Scott Satterfield praised the tight end room and the depth the Bearcats have at that position. Satterfield noted the depth at the tight end position as being a weak part of Cincinnati’s offense last season after losing a guy like Joey Beljan for the season due to a season ending knee injury and Chamon Mateyer being the only scholarship tight end behind him.
However, this year, the room looks much different after the addition of former Ohio State tight end Joe Royer, who is slated to be the team’s starting tight end. Royer stands 6’5″, 255 pounds, and can create a lot of mismatches for opposing teams due to his ability to block and split out wide. “”We will utilize the tight ends,” Satterfield said. “We will get Joe out wide and that will create a mismatch as well.”
Saterfield also mentioned true freshman Gavin Grover as someone who has really stood out at the tight end position. Grover stands 6’6″, 260 pounds and someone who could come in and make an immediate impact for Cincinnati heading into the 2024 season.
“We knew Gavin was a big target and someone that could really catch the ball,” Said Satterfield.” However, the biggest question was, would he put his face in it and go block. Well, he did just that during spring. I was fired up the first time he put his face on the ball. You can’t coach the amount of size he has.”
For more information, please check out our website where you will be able to find all teh latest interviews from this week’s Big 12 Media Days.
