On the first day of the week, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats did have an afternoon Bible study, but it came after a Sunday morning practice Aug. 9 at Nippert Stadium.
It was the fourth consecutive session at Nippert with the early August weather allowing the Bearcats to work outside after a brief walk from the Sheakley Indoor Performance Facility. Workouts have been hot, with hydration breaks and misting fans keeping the players cool in full gear.
UC is less than a month away from its season opener, Sept. 5 against Boston College at 3:30 p.m. at Nippert Stadium.
5 takeaways from Cincinnati Bearcats football practice Aug. 9
1. NFL scouts continue to visit UC Bearcats training camp
It’s not unusual to see NFL logos on the sidelines at a UC practice, but this week has been particularly busy. The Aug. 6 practice brought out 10 NFL scouts and the Sunday, Aug. 9 session featured 13, representing a total of 11 teams.
Teams on hand were: the Jaguars, Ravens, Eagles, Browns, Lions, Jets, Texans, Bills, Commanders, Seahawks and Chargers.
The bulk of those scribbling on pads again were stationed near the endzone closest to the videoboard, where the offensive line toils under co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Nic Cardwell.
The “Pancake Trio” of Evan Tengesdahl, Joe Cotton and Taran Tyo served pancakes in chef’s hats before the open practice Aug. 8. UC’s run game should improve, but the most recent weekend saw some effective pass protection, which will still be an integral part of the plan.
“We lose those pass off gains (play action pass),” Preseason All-American Tengesdahl said. “We catch D-linemen lacking (struggling). We’re allowed to put’em down and get some pancakes. We love getting a little shoulder check into the D-linemen.”
2. UC Bearcats offensive linemen remain active when not laying big blocks
The Bearcats rotate offensive and defensive lines throughout a practice. Following in the footsteps of last year’s center Gavin Gerhardt, the hands-down team leader in 2025, seniors Tyo and Cotton were both busy on the sideline when not in the game. Tyo was seen running downfield after a pass play to implore the players to “hustle back” to the huddle.
Later, Cotton was leading the charge, cheering on a big offensive gain. All hope to fill Gerhardt’s shoes and become NFL draft picks.
“There’s a lot of talent on this team, there’s a lot of talent in the O-line room,” Tyo said. “I’m very excited to see where this group can mold and go to.”
3. UC wide receivers improve after criticism from Scott Satterfield
A day after head coach Scott Satterfield called their early play “average,” UC’s receivers came alive in the Sunday, Aug. 9 practice. Fifth-year player JV Gibson, an Oklahoma transfer, disagreed with his coach’s assessment and was part of the crew that stepped up their game.
“We’re not an average group,” Gibson said. “On any team, the receivers have to be the standard. They’re the ones that make the most plays and get the most fame and popularity.”
Senior Larenzo Fenner from South Dakota had an excellent day with a pair of long connections with quarterback JC French. Other notable receptions from the wideouts were by Giyahnni Kontosis and slots Isaiah Johnson and Cade Wolford. Johnson, Wolford and any of UC’s backs (Zion Johnson on this day) can all take short passes and turn them into big gains.
As for Gibson, he predicts more to come between himself and JC French.
“Me and that guy have a great connection,” Gibson said.
4. UC Bearcats see spirited possession from tight end Ka’Maurri Smith
Junior Gavin Grover has been productive and the 6-foot-6 target appears to be the frontrunner at tight end. However, UC has often played more than one. Sophomore Ka’Maurri Smith from Wayne High School near Dayton had an impressive series late in the day when he caught three consecutive passes from Samaj Jones.
Smith is also hard to miss at 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds.
5. UC transfer corner Kenny Worthy continues to find football
UC had just two interceptions all of last season. Washington State transfer Kenny Worthy has already surpassed that in the first week of training camp.
“Now I feel more comfortable in the playbook, more comfortable in the scheme,” Worthy said. “I know my role on the team, and it’s allowed me to play as free as I can.”
Rating his teammates/practice opponents, Worthy quickly mentions Gibson and Kontosis
“No one’s a pushover,” Worthy said. “Everyone, you’ve got to go out there and be on all the way at ’10,’ or you will get killed out there.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: More NFL scouts, other takeaways from UC Bearcats practice Aug. 9
Reporting by Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
