Cincinnati’s second week of training camp kept rolling inside the Sheakley Indoor Performance Facility on Aug. 12, where another stretch of bad weather pushed the Bearcats indoors and a more physical practice gave the day a sharper edge.
The timing matters, too. UC is already about three weeks from its Nippert Stadium opener against Boston College on Sept. 5, and the camp buzz has started to narrow around a few clear themes: the offensive line’s growing profile, a defense that’s starting to throw its weight around, and a few backs and walk-ons making noise in the right places.
That offensive line spotlight got even brighter Wednesday when Preseason All-American guard Evan Tengesdahl was added to the Lombardi Watch List. Tengesdahl had already landed on Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports’ annual “Freaks List,” and now he’s one of 54 players nationwide on the Lombardi list, along with just six Big 12 representatives. The award goes to the country’s top college lineman or linebacker who best reflects the character, discipline, grit and leadership of Vince Lombardi.
Inside practice, the physical tone kept building. The offense in white and the defense in black were noticeably more spirited, with chatter between defensive backs and receivers showing up throughout the workout.
Safety CJ Jones came up with a strong interception while fighting receiver Giyahni (Gio) Kontosis for the ball, and safety MJ Cannon also delivered a big goal-line stop. The running game brought its own edge, with plenty of competitive reps when the ball was on the ground.
“I love it!” Beeler said.
“It’s football, man. At the end of the day, everybody wants to compete, everybody wants to win.
Obviously, it’s going to get physical; we’re all grown men.”
That kind of intensity is part of what makes the indoor setup so useful, and fifth-year safety Jasper Beeler made it clear he’s impressed with the new surroundings. UC can move from locker room to field with ease in the new building, and even on dry days the trip to Nippert is short. Beeler also pointed to the reality of running a modern Power Four operation, where a remote setup like Camp Higher Ground would require more staff, more logistics and even another hotel within driving distance.
“This is the best I’ve been around facility-wise,” Beeler said. “The way we work here and the intensity, I haven’t been able to do that at any other place. All that we have here is amazing.”
On offense, center Taran Tyo continues to stand out for more than just size. At 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds, he brings a hard-nosed background that includes raising and showing hogs as a kid, plus wrestling and throwing shot and discus on the track team. He’s also part of UC’s self-described “Pancake Trio” with Tengesdahl and Joe Cotton, and he takes obvious pride in finishing blocks by getting to the second level.
“I love getting down the field, blowing up piles, blowing up corners, safeties, whatever it is,” Tyo said.
The backfield had its own burst of production. After Notre Dame transfer Gi’Bran Payne broke loose for a long touchdown run in the Aug. 11 practice, Zion Johnson answered on Aug. 12 with a few quick bursts of his own. Johnson, the most experienced returning Bearcat running back, got late-season work last year when Evan Pryor was sidelined, and he looks comfortable running behind a line that’s creating space.
“I don’t want to say nobody, but there’s very few people catching me,” Johnson said. “They (offensive line) are making the holes way, way bigger.
They’re just executing and doing their jobs. Today’s practice was very physical, which was needed.
From the offensive side, we just came out and wanted it.”
Johnson wasn’t the only one finding the end zone. Zylan Perry scored with help from the offensive line, while junior James Lewis and freshman Jayzon Thompson also crossed the goal line.
And then there were the walk-ons, a group Satterfield has long appreciated. Former walk-on Antwan Peek Jr. has already become a scholarship player at outside linebacker, and edge rusher Drew Logan earned a scholarship last year. Tight end Lyviel Waters of Winton Woods turned heads and got into the end zone during the Aug. 12 practice, prompting the offense to run out and celebrate.
On the defensive line, Nathan Nunn has also drawn attention. The 6-foot-2, 282-pound junior is the son of edge-rushers coach Robert Nunn, who has 19 years of NFL experience, a Super Bowl ring with the Giants and coaching stops with Hall of Famers Bruce Smith and Jason Taylor.
“One of the bright spots is Nunn,” Satterfield said. “He’s a guy that can play all over the D-line.
He’s a walk-on guy that’s earned his stripes. He’s going to give us some great minutes this year.”
Tyo added his own endorsement of Nunn, along with a nod to another young lineman worth watching in 6-foot-1, 320-pound freshman Jonathan Rulo from Belleville, Illinois.
Said center Tyo, “Nunn’s doing a great job. He’s done a great job transforming his body and getting stronger.”
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