Class of 2015 National Signing Day Preview

National Signing Day is always a day of relief and surprise for many of the fans who pay attention to what decisions 17-19 year old high schoolers make around the country. It’s the day where 99.9% of prospects sign the near-binding letters of intent to play for the school that they feel will put them in the best position over the next 4-5 years. It is the finish line for coaching staffs across the country as they (hopefully) see all their hard work and constant travelling pay off as they try to land the best class possible. This will be the 3rd recruiting class in the Tommy Tuberville era at Cincinnati. Each signing day has had it’s ups and downs. In his first class, Tuberville and staff landed arguably the highest rated recruit in Cincinnati history in Travis Johnson. But, as we know, that didn’t exactly pan out as Johnson is no longer with the team. Last year, long-time commit Spencer Williams decided to flip his commitment to Missouri on Signing Day, the staff added Cortez Broughton in his place. Even though things may change (and probably will to some extent), here is a look at the Cincinnati Bearcats Class of 2015.

Offense

• QB: Ross Trail – 6’3″ 200lb prospect out of Wynne, AR. #20 Pocket Passer QB according to the 247 Composite Score.
• RB: Joshuwa Holloman – 5’11” 180lb from Auburn Hills, MI. Runs a 4.29 forty and the #67 RB according to the 247 Composite Score.
• FB: Taylor Boose – 6’0″ 200lb prospect out of Clifton, Va. #6 FB rated by 247 Sports.
• TE: Doug Bates – 6’4″ 230lb prospect out of Cincinnati Moeller High School. #67 TE according to 247 Sports.
• WR: Franklin Labady (Early Enrollee) – 5’7″ from Miami, FL. Originally committed to the Class of 2014 but spent a year at prep school. #4 prep school WR according to 247 Sports.
• Braxton Neal – 6’4″ 168lb prospect from Cincinnati Lakota West High School. 282nd ranked receiver by 247 Sports.
• OG: Evan Mallory (Early Enrollee) – 6’5″ 302lb prospect from Brownsburg, IN. #67 OG rated by 247 Sports.
• Tyler McGarr – 6’4″ 275lb from Hamilton, GA. #97 OG.
• DeLonte’ Murray – 6’5″ 311lb prospect from Scranton, PA. #9 JUCO OG according to 247 Sports.
• OT: Reed Armagost – 6’6″ 230lb prospect from Gainesville, FL. #220 rated OT according to 247 Sports.
• Idarius Ray (Early Enrollee) – 6’7″ 310lb from Van Nuys, CA. #26 JUCO OT according to 247 Sports.

Defense 

• DE: Caleb Ashworth – 6’3″ 235lb from Dry Fork, VA. #97 DE prospect.
• Marquise Copeland – 6’3″ 230lb prospect from Bedford, OH. #52 high school DE according to 247 Sports.
• Bryan Wright – 6’4″ 235lb prospect from Matthews, NC. #1 JUCO Weak-Side DE.
• DT: Norman Oglesby – 6’0″ 265lb prospect from Indianapolis, IN. Rated #106 DT according to 247 Sports.
• LB: Matthew Draper – 6’2″ 214lb prospect from Cleveland, OH. #64 rated LB according to 247 Sports.
• Bryce Jenkinson – 6’1″ 220lb from Greenvile, OH. Rated #76 LB.
• Antonio Kinard (Early Enrollee) –  6’3″ 220lb prospect from Chetham, VA. #5 rated JUCO LB according to 247 Sports.
• Jaylyin Minor – 6’1″ 240lb prospect from Tyler, TX. #11 Inside LB according to 247 Sports.
• CB: Christian Angulo – 6’2″ 175lb prospect from Gibsonton, FL. #173 rated CB.
• Jhavonte Dean – 6’1″ 160lb prospect from Homestead, FL. #134 rated CB prospect.
• S: Malik Clements – 6’2″ 185lb prospect from Danville, VA. #48 Safety according to 247 Sports.
• ATH: Daniel Cobb (Early Enrollee) – 5’9″ 165lb from Fort Myers, FL. Rated#159 ATH.
• Josiah Deguara – 6’2″ 190lb prospect from Folsom, CA. Not rated.
• Trevon Story – 5’9″ 165lb prospect from Cleveland, OH. Rated #238 WR according to 247 Sports.

A quick count would show that this is a full class with 25 commitments. The staff has filled needs at the linebacker, defensive and offensive line positions. Marquise Copeland headlines the defensive line commitments with reported offers from Illinios and Kentucky. Kentucky even tried to make a late push to flip Copeland but it appears he will be sticking with his commitment to Cincinnati. Evan Mallory will be one to watch on the offensive line. He chose the Bearcats over Louisville which makes landing the massive offensive lineman that much sweeter. With Gunner Kiel at the helm for the next few seasons, the staff only wanted to add a QB and Ross Trail seems to be their guy. He also chose UC over Louisville.

Even though the class is full, the staff still has a few prospects in sight. One would be Kahlil Lewis, a 5’11” WR from Hollywood, FL who is seen as a soft verbal to West Virginia. While committed to WVU, Lewis has taken official visits to Cincinnati, Louisville and UCF. Most believe Lewis will stick with the Mountaineers when he commits on Signing Day, dont count the Bearcats out here. If Lewis does not choose Cincinnati, look for the Bearcats to try to snag Brad Stewart or Damion Willis.

Overall, this class seems to be a solid combination of players in positions of need and some project players as well who could turn into real playmakers after a few years in the program. Several needs were filled but at the same time several needs remain, especially experienced prospects on the defensive line. As this class stands now, I would rate this class on par with last year. There may be some changes and surprises, which is part of the excitement of National Signing Day. Check with Bearcats Blog after all the dust settles for a full recap on the day’s events.