Cincinnati adds trio of commits from the transfer portal
After adding four commitments from the transfer portal on Sunday, the Bearcats stayed hot with three more additions out of the transfer portal on Monday.
(Photos: Cincinnati athletics)
The first commitment of the day came from New Mexico State redshirt junior safety Mekhi Miller.
Committed! pic.twitter.com/y3n99ULp19
— Mehki Miller ☥ (@TheChosenKi) January 8, 2024
After spending three seasons at Miami (OH), Miller appeared in 26 games during two seasons at New Mexico State and finished with 88 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. The Olypmia, IL native has good size at 6'1" 200-pounds and adds depth at a position of need as Kerry Coombs tries to add more length and athleticism to the secondary.
The second commitment of the day came from 5'11" 194-pound cornerback Derrick Canteen.
Glory . ☑️ pic.twitter.com/ydKT6hlNxY
— Derrick Canteen † (@_canteen) January 8, 2024
Canteen spent four seasons at Geogia Southern before spending this last season at Virginia Tech. During his redshirt senior season with the Hokies, Canteen finished with 43 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception. On film, you see a physical cornerback with good closing speed in the open field that also possesses good ball awareness. He will come to Cincinnati with one year of eligibility remaining.
The last commitment of the day came from 6'5" 255-pound Ohio State tight end Joe Royer.
Home pic.twitter.com/ljp734Jnfs
— Joe Royer 🤡 (@JoeRoyer25) January 8, 2024
Royer was a consensus four-star prospect in the 2020 class and is a former Elder teammate of current offensive lineman, Luke Kandra. Royer dealt with multiple set backs while at Ohio State, including dealing with the loss of his mother during the 2022 season.
During his three year Ohio State career, the Cincinnati native appeared in 14 games and had 4 catches for 24 yards. While those stats don't pop off the page, he has the size and talent to be a key contributor to Coach Stepp's tight end room during the 2024 season. Royer comes to Cincinnati with two years of eligibility remaining.
Having former teammate Luke Kandra around should help with a smooth transition to the Bearcats.