Kandra then knew he had an important decision to make after a wild 48-72 hours which resulted in his decision to come home and be the next hometown hero. “I didn’t have the chance to talk to coach Satterfield, but I was talking to the other coaches and told them if you guys are going to Cincinnati, I’m coming with you guys, there’s no stopping me,” Kandra told TFON. “I told my former teammates, hey guys, I’m sorry but I’m going back home, joining coach Satterfield and the staff at Cincinnati. It’s been a blast so far.”
Kandra has enjoyed the amount of support he has been given since announcing his commitment to the Bearcats back on December 8th, 2022 “I keep getting all those texts from my friends and family, like hey, can I get some tickets,” Kandra told TFON. “Growing up here in Cincinnati, going to Bearcats games, even playing at Nippert when I was in high school, it was always electric. I can’t wait to see what it’s like now in college because the games I went to as a kid, I was a part of the fans, now I have the opportunity to play in front of them.”
Gavin Gerhardt embracing the leadership roll within the offensive line
Gerhardt, is the only returner from a season ago up front on the offensive line, but for him, this offseason has been focused on becoming the best leader he can for this Bearcats team heading into the regular season. “Last year, I was the young guy, it’s a bit different this year, but I am going to step in and be the best leader I can for this group,” said Gerhardt.
For those who remember, Gerhardt stepped in for Jake Renfo last season, after Renfro suffered a season ending knee injury ahead of the Bearcats contest vs Arkansas in week one. Gerhardt, has officially made the transition to center after spending the whole 2022 season at that position. “About midway through last season, it clicked for me that this is where I need to be, and it feels really good heading into the season,” Gerhardt said. “I feel like I am twitchier off the ball, I think I have great strength at the power of attack better than I had last season. Going against guys like Dontay Corleone, Jowon Briggs each and every day is going to continue to help me,” Gerhardt told TFON.
