College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Cincinnati Bearcats

40. Cincinnati Bearcats
QB Zach Collaros- Senior
RB Isaiah Pead- Senior
WR D.J. Woods- Senior
NT John Hughes- Senior
DE-LB Walter Stewart- Junior
LB J.K. Schaffer- Senior
Some people might not like this team but with 16 starters returning including 11 on defense I really like the Bearcats. Cincinnati didn't miss Tony Pike as Zach Collaros had a great first season as starter. He'll be a senior this season and will miss a huge target in Armon Binns. Collaros is more of a threat with his legs which he can use to gain extra yardage. The backfield has Isaiah Pead who also had a fantastic 2010 season. He has good speed and he also has good hands to catch out of the backfield. Wide receiver D.J. Woods emerged as one of the top receivers in the NCAA last season. He has fantastic hands and uses his solid speed to get open. The Bearcats are hoping for sophomore Anthony McClung and senior O.J. Woodard to step it up and replace Binns. Tight end Ben Guidugli was also a big loss so Adrien Robinson must step it up. The offensive line is weak with only two returning starters in guard Randy Martinez and tackle Alex Hoffman, both seniors. Evan Davis might get a chance to start with a hole at the opposite guard slot across from Martinez. The defense is stacked this year thanks to those 11 returning starters. On the line senior nose tackle John Hughes will stop backs from gaining much yards. Coming off the side end Brandon Mills and Dan Giordano will make plays. Walter Stewart is a dangerous defensive end/linebacker hybrid. He'll spend most time at the linebacker position but don't think Cincy won't place him at end. Linebacker J.K. Schaffer excells in the middle while junior Maalik Bomar also makes plays on the side. Schaffer is the bigger threat, one of the best middle linebackers in the Big East. The secondary is strong with junior Drew Frey, Wesley Richardson and Chris Williams all safeties.

Heisman Hopeful: Zach Collaros
Big East Rank: 3rd