As I previously wrote, Cincinnati is heading into the 2014 season needing to answer a few questions to have the kind of year many expect from arguably the most talented squad in the AAC. A glaring deficiency in 2013, the competition for the Bearcats’ kicking and punting duties appears to be as wide open as any with head coach Tommy Tuberville giving the first-team reps to redshirt freshmen early in the second week of camp.
According to Cincinnati Enquirer Bearcats beat reporter, Tom Groeschen, Andrew Gantz took the spot of senior placekicker Tony Miliano, and Sam Geraci was punting instead of senior John Lloyd. Those four are the only kickers and punters currently listed on the official roster at www.gobearcats.com.
Tuberville: Gantz, Geraci running #1 at kicker & punter, but that could change after Sat. scrimmage. #Bearcats
— Tom Groeschen (@TomGroeschen) August 19, 2014
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Last year’s K and P, Miliano and Lloyd, still in running for their jobs also. Miliano likely to do kickoffs. #Bearcats
— Tom Groeschen (@TomGroeschen) August 19, 2014
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The fact that Tuberville is leaving those spots open to competition is not surprising, given that Cincinnati ranked in the bottom 10 in the nation in field goal and punt efficiency. Miliano was 7-of-17 kicking field goals last year, equating to an unspectacular 41.2% conversion rate. Lloyd punted 33 times for a 42.7 yard average with three touchbacks, six fair catches and nine downed inside the 20. By comparison, QB Brendon Kay punted 15 times last season for a 38.6 yard average with four touchbacks, no fair catches and eight downed inside the 20.
As Groeschen suggests, regardless if he loses his place kicking job or not, Miliano would likely keep the kickoff duties. Despite his field goal troubles last season, Miliano actually ranked third in the nation in kickoff efficiency. He had 75 kickoffs for a 61.9 yard average with 23 touchbacks and an average opponent starting field position at the 22-yard-line.
Check out more Bearcats camp notes and a recap of last Saturday’s closed scrimmage in Paul Brown Stadium from Tom Groeschen here.
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