Gunner Kiel has thrown for over 6,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in two seasons with Cincinnati, but enters summer as the Bearcats’ No. 3 option at quarterback behind sophomores Hayden Moore and Ross Trail, says coach Tommy Tuberville.
Per the Cincinnati Enquirer, the fifth-year senior — who has dealt with injuries throughout his career with UC — hasn’t had the opportunity to win back his starting job just yet because of the time he missed during spring practice. He’ll have an equal shot as the competition once he returns.
“Gunner didn’t practice but about three or four days and hurt his shoulder (in spring),” said Tuberville. “Coming out of camp, I’d say Hayden is No. 1, Ross is No. 2 and Gunner is No. 3, but that’s just because he didn’t practice. They’ll all basically start out even-up, as we always do. We’ll pick somebody and go with them.”
So if Kiel can finally get healthy (he’s missed four games already to this point, not to mention the notable time spent in and out of the huddle), is he the favorite?
“He’s doing good, but the main thing is he’s got to stay healthy,” said Tuberville. “I think we have three guys that can get the job done. We have a new quarterback coach and offensive coordinator (Zac Taylor). With a little bit of a new offense, I think that makes it an equalizer.”
With Kiel in and out of the rotation, Cincinnati finished a disappointing 7-6 (4-4) in 2015. He missed out on the Hawaii Bowl due to personal reasons, and the Bearcats ended up getting smacked around by San Diego State, losing 42-7.
One way or another, UC is hoping its offense can find some stability at the quarterback position this fall.
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