Bearcats Recruiting Update

Of course the day I am away from my computer is the day that recruiting information flies in left and right. That's why I'm getting paid the mega bucks running this site. Mega bucks consist of zero dollars and zero cents, right? That's what I thought. Instead of rambling for 200 words, let's keep things to the point and hit the news. 

Bearcat fans were waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting to see what Chris Obekpa was going to say for his college commitment. Yesterday, he picked St John's. It sounds like Cincinnati backed off. Mainly from this tweet. 

 
There was an earlier tweet when Rothstein said UC backed off in mid-May. That would have been close to the deadline. Just a week ago Mick did an interview where he said that UC was fine for this class. If they are backing off a highly regarded prospect like this, he's not just spewing words.

While UC has just 1 recruit for the 2012 season, two have committed for 2013. First over the weekend, guard Troy Caupain pledged to Cincinnati. Per the Sporting News, Troy had this to say:

"Cincinnati never stopped, and growing up in New York my dream was to always want to play in Madison Square Garden. And I am trying to make a dream come true."

Good for him. Scout has Caupain has a 3 star recruit. 

Via

Summit County Day star guard Kevin Johnson picked Cincinnati yesterday. The 6-2 guard had this to say to Cincinnati.com:

“I felt like UC is striving for a lot of great success. I felt like if I can find that success in my own city, why not play for my own city and have my family right next to me as well?”  

Why not indeed. Johnson played against Caupain in AAU play. He had this to say about signing with his fellow guard.

“He’s a good player but the way UC plays everybody is dribbling the ball and it can go through more than one person at any time. It’s always a battle to get better and this will only help me.” 

I really like his attitude. If only he would do this in a game.

 


Via

Whoever is filling in for Bill Koch got ESPN analyst Dave Telep to talk about the recruits. This is all from the same story. You should probably read it. 

“They’ve done well in Virginia before, with (JaQuon) Parker and I think both of these guys have something to prove. I think that has been a major success piece for Mick Cronin. He’s recruited guys and then played to their emotions of having a chip on their shoulder. I think that’s part of their recruiting profile right now and it works.” 

The Bearcat ladies are also hitting the trail for 2013. They got 4 star recruit Marley Hill to come to Cincinnati. This could be the player that Jamelle Elliot needs to start building the program. You get one big player, and then another and then some pieces around them, then you have a tournament team. Nice get, Coach. Welcome to UC, Marley Hill. 

Not to be outdone, UC football picked up a 2013 recruit.  Marquez Lanton, a receiver from Memphis, will sign on the line that is dotted. Lanton is a track star in Memphis, as you can see in the article from DtD. I remember Butch Jones saying in his signing day press conference that UC wanted to own Memphis. They did a great job recruiting there last season. That's continuing for next season as well. 

Finally, the Bearcats are one of the teams in the mix for Robert Jones, a 2014 QB from Louisville. When asked who stood out, Jones said this:

"Cincinnati, Purdue, and Vanderbilt stand out. They stand out because they are good academic schools, and they are on the rise in athletics with good programs and coaches." 

That does it for the recruiting news of the day.