Depending on what publication you read, and how you define "starter", Cincinnati returns 11 or 13 starters from last years team, with most of those on the offensive side of the ball. The general consensus is that the offense is loaded and should be as good if not better than last year. New head coach Butch Jones uses the same spread offense style as Brian Kelly, but runs it at an even faster tempo. The goal is to keep defenses on their heels.
At quarterback, UC is lead by junior Zach Collaros. Collaros started 4 games in relief of the injured Tony Pike last season and went 4-0. In fact, Collaros hasn't lost a game as a starter since his sophomore year of high school. Collaros makes the offense even more dangerous because he is a dual-threat that can hurt you with his running as well as his passing. One of his first plays in relief of Pike last season was a 75 yard QB draw for a TD against South Florida. The QB position is deep with junior Chazz Anderson and sophomore Brendon Kay both looking impressive during the preseason, and some highly touted freshman waiting in the wings.
At running back, Isiah Pead will be the featured back this year. Pead led the Big East at just under 7 yards per carry last season, but never carried the ball more than 18 times in a game. Coach Jones has indicated that Pead will have a bigger role in the offense this season. Pead is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, and in previous years Jones' RBs at Central Michigan featured prominently in the passing game. Behind Pead on the depth chart is senior John Goebel who returns after an injury-plagued 2009. He is the biggest back on the team at 213 pounds. Sophomores Darrin Williams and Quentin Hines could also see some playing time.
Wide receiver is likely the most talented position on the team, even with the loss of star Mardy Gilyard to the NFL. Armon Binns flourished last seasons as teams focused on stopping Gilyard. Binns is fast, tall, strong, and can go up to get the ball. He finished last season with 61 catches for 888 yards and 11 TDs. Making his UC debut is highly touted transfer Vidal Hazleton, who last played two seasons ago at USC. He has reportedly been running over DBs in practice. Rounding out the starters is junior DJ Woods, who is small but quick and sure-handed. He grabbed 51 balls for 540 yards and 4 TDs. In addition to the starters senior Marcus Barnett returns to the WR position after spending time in Brian Kelly's doghouse as a DB. Adding potency to the passing game is senior TE Ben Guidulgi, who was name 2nd team all-American by the Sporting News. Guidulgi is big and fast, and creates matchup headaches for opposing defenses.
The offensive line returns 3 starters lead by senior center Jason Kelce. Senior CJ Cobb and junior Sam Griffin return as the starting tackles. Junior Alex Hoffman and freshman Evan Davis get their first starts at the guard positions. In order of how named above, the line weighs in at 290, 304, 260, 293, & 262.
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