Midway Point: Spring Practice Report
From gobearcats:
The University of Cincinnati football team crossed the halfway point of spring football on Wednesday, holding practice number eight at Nippert Stadium.
Wednesday’s 21-period practice was highlighted by several impressive plays from the secondary. Redshirt junior Kye Stokes, redshirt junior Christian Harrison, and redshirt freshman Drew Robinson were among the defensive backs to record an interception, and Harrison’s was the final play of practice to end the workout on an exciting note. The offense put together several terrific plays as well, with redshirt junior Chance Williams’ one-handed snag eliciting exclamations from both sides of the ball.
(Photo: Gobearcats)
Doing the dirty work in the trenches are the offensive and defensive linemen, and one Bearcat on the offensive side of the ball is experiencing his third spring as the incumbent starter at his position.
Redshirt senior Gavin Gerhardt is a two-time team captain and a three-year starter at center for Cincinnati. His experience will be invaluable for a UC squad that lost four offensive linemen who had started a combined 72 games in their career: Luke Kandra, Dartanyan Tinsley, Phillip Wilder, and John Williams.
“He’s probably one of the most experienced players on our football team,” head coach Scott Satterfield said of Gerhardt. “He’s a great leader. He’ll be a three-time team captain here, which is hard to do. We have a lot of young players in that room, and they’re getting a lot of reps and they’re going to make mistakes. Having Gavin there to be able to lead them is an asset. We’re blessed to have Gavin another year.”
Gerhardt has made 36 starts over the last three seasons and has been a massive part of Cincinnati’s offensive success during his career. He helped pave the way for running back Corey Kiner to rush for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2023-24 and protected quarterback Brendan Sorsby last year while the first-year signal caller put up impressive numbers.
As one of the most experienced members on the team, Gerhardt is afforded the opportunity to let some of the younger players take a few more reps on the line during the spring. That could prove valuable come fall.
“I’m not taking as many reps as everybody else, I think I have a pretty good hang of the offense and I need to take care of my body,” Gerhardt said. “I need to really help coach the young guys and tell them how we run things here. Being a vocal leader has been a big part of this offseason for me.”
The offensive line room features four true freshmen and two transfer portal additions as well as several other tantalizing returning talents that could see more time this season.
Getting them ready to contribute meaningfully in Cincinnati’s offense will be an important task, and it’s one that Gerhardt can assist offensive line coach Nic Cardwell in as a proven veteran.
“I think it helps that I know what Coach Cardwell want in a meeting, so I can always have extra meetings with the guys,” Gerhardt said. “I know how the scheme works. I know if it’s a different look. When it comes to leading them and encouraging them, I just try to be like the guys that came before me that led me when I was younger.”
// SPRING SHOWCASE SET FOR APRIL 12
Saturday, April 12 will be a big day for Cincinnati Athletics, with several events on campus and “Bearcats at the Ballpark” promotion at the Reds vs. Pirates game that night.
The Spring Showcase, presented by Skyline Chili, which will feature:
- Pregame AD Tailgate, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
- Open football practice at Nippert Stadium beginning at noon.
- Postgame autographs with Bearcats players
- Fun Zone on Sheakley Lawn featuring prizes and giveaways.
- Bearcats Baseball vs. Arizona State - First pitch at 3 p.m. at UC Baseball Stadium.
- Bearcats at the Ballpark - Cincinnati natives Joe Royer and Dontay Corleone will throw out the first pitch and first-year volleyball coach Danijela Tomic will present the game ball at Great American Ballpark that night. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m.
More Details on the Exclusive Pregame AD Tailgate for Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders are invited to an exclusive pregame tailgate from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (reservations required). Special guests will be in attendance, and participants will also receive an invitation to an exclusive postgame VIP photo and autograph session with team leaders, including Dontay Corleone, Joe Royer, and Brendan Sorsby.