Alex ranks the seven players on the Cincinnati Bearcats roster who will most define the 2022 season. Both Ben Bryant and Evan Prater, but a non-skill player ranks ahead of them. Which player will most define next season? Ben Bryant can be the starter when the Cincinnati Bearcats open the 2022 season at Arkansas. However, with a four-star recruit waiting in the wings, you're going to have to know FOR SURE within the first four games if Bryant is the answer or not. For as great as Luke Fickell and...
Jun 06, 2022•30 min•Ep. 124
Eight recruits committed to the Cincinnati Bearcats football program over the weekend, and Alex explains why it makes the Cincinnati Bearcats Big 12 ready from day one. The number of commits this weekend keeps the tremendous momentum this program has on the recruiting front and the success they have had on the field, proving the College Football Playoff run is not going to be a fluke. All the momentum the Cincinnati Bearcats program has is why Evan Prater should be the starting quarterback this ...
Jun 06, 2022•27 min•Ep. 123
Running back and getting to the quarterback are two positions of need heading into the Big 12. Alex explains how the Cincinnati Bearcats recruiting at those two positions has them ready from day one in the Big 12. Then, we all remember Sauce Gardner, Coby Bryant and Desmond Ridder, but it was James Wiggins who was the first star player in the Luke Fickell era. Alex explains how the Cincinnati Bearcats recent success with their recent draft picks has kind of made Wiggins a forgotten player, but s...
Jun 02, 2022•22 min•Ep. 122
Which freshman from the #CinCityPride22 recruiting class will make the biggest impact on this year's Cincinnati Bearcats team? Alex is joined by John Garcia Jr., the director of football recruiting for Sports Illustrated, for who he thinks the biggest impact freshmen will be. When we think of the Big 12, we think spread offenses, meaning we think about quarterbacks and wide receivers the most. But John thinks the running back position is a huge position of need as the Cincinnati Bearcats head in...
Jun 01, 2022•29 min•Ep. 121
Not only should Evan Prater be the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats, he could also become the new face of the program. Alex explains how being a four-star quarterback from Cincinnati makes him an easy pick to be the new face of the program. Alex then explains why he thinks college football overtime rules are so much better than the NFL's since college games cannot end in a tie. There is a way to fix NFL games ending in a tie, and it all comes down to the kicker. Find Locked On Be...
May 31, 2022•35 min•Ep. 120
It's another episode of Bold Prediction Tuesday, and this week it's the wide receivers. Tyler Scott and Hawaii transfer Nick Mardner headline this group, and Alex thinks both of them can finish in the top 10 in multiple statistical categories. While Scott and Mardner headline the group, what about some other receivers? Alex has high expectations for a former four-star recruit who hasn't seen the field a lot throughout his Cincinnati Bearcats career, but could be poised for a breakout year. Find ...
May 30, 2022•22 min•Ep. 119
Alex explains the seven things that need to happen for the 2022 Cincinnati Bearcats football season to be a success. It all starts with the quarterback, and Alex, again, explains why Evan Prater should be the starter. In front him, the offensive line, despite being really good last year, must get better, especially in big games. The running back room has a lot of options, but Alex thinks the Cincinnati Bearcats will have the most success if there is a true bell cow running back leading the room....
May 29, 2022•29 min•Ep. 118
Not only is Cincinnati Bearcats football head coach Luke Fickell's transparency appreciated, the stability he has built is just as impressive. Alex talks about how it's both long-awaited and here to stay. Alex explains why while we all want our teams to win championships every year, we also want them to just be relevant every year, competing for championships every year. The stability Luke Fickell has given the Cincinnati Bearcats football program will allow them to compete annually for champion...
May 27, 2022•34 min•Ep. 117
Noah Potter's transfer commit to the Cincinnati Bearcats is changing its perception for recruits in Ohio and around the country. Alex is joined by John Garcia Jr.-- director of football recruiting for Sports Illustrated. John agrees that the perception of the Cincinnati Bearcats is changing as they move to the Big 12 and they tap into other parts of the country for recruiting. In addition, John says the 2018 class getting national recognition is a huge testament to the development job led by hea...
May 26, 2022•30 min•Ep. 116
The Athletic recently ranked the top 25 recruiting classes from the class of 2018, and the Cincinnati Bearcats check in at No. 4! Alex thinks this is greater national recognition than going to the College Football Playoff for the Cincinnati Bearcats. There is one player on this year's roster that we are not talking much about, but Alex thinks he is going to be instrumental to the offense and be an important weapon for whoever starts at quarterback. A recent report detailed a potential SEC confer...
May 24, 2022•34 min•Ep. 115
It's another episode of Bold Prediction Tuesday, and this week Alex gives five bold predictions on the Cincinnati Bearcats tight ends ahead of the 2022 season. Josh Whyle and Leonard Taylor lead the way at the position, and Alex thinks both of them are in for huge years catching tight ends and being one of the top tight ends in the country. There is also a tight end, who had a great showing in the Spring Game, who Alex thinks could be a breakout player on this year's roster. Find Locked On Bearc...
May 24, 2022•22 min•Ep. 114
Alex talks about the NCAA getting rid of requirements for conference championships can give us dream matchups in those games. Not only that, but the best two teams will now undisputedly get to play for conference championships. There's one player Alex believes can be the breakout player on this year's Cincinnati Bearcats roster, and Alex thinks he can be the most prolific receiver the Cincinnati Bearcats have had since Mardy Gilyard. The Athletic's Stewart Mandel recently posted his Post Spring ...
May 22, 2022•29 min•Ep. 113
Alex explains why the Cincinnati Bearcats can make a wrong decision at quarterback, and the best way to avoid that is to throw Evan Prater to the wolves and start him at Arkansas in week one. Regardless if the Cincinnati Bearcats win or lose at Arkansas, it's beneficial in the short and long-term to start Evan Prater at quarterback. And if Prater were to lead the team to victory at Arkansas, the Bearcats are set at quarterback for the next two years, if not three. Alex then explains why he's pra...
May 20, 2022•30 min•Ep. 112
Alex is joined by AllBearcats beat writer Russ Heltman to continue the conversation on four-star transfer commit Noah Potter. Alex and Russ talk about what Potter can gain by coming to Cincinnati and how Russ thinks he fits into the Cincinnati Bearcats defensive line. Russ also talks about how this commit will set up Cincinnati nicely heading into the Big 12. Alex and Russ then discuss the merit to starting quarterback Evan Prater in the season-opener at Arkansas. Find Locked On Bearcats on your...
May 19, 2022•30 min•Ep. 111
The Cincinnati Bearcats have landed a four-star transfer commit in defensive end Noah Potter from Ohio State. Alex explains how this continues to close the talent gap between Cincinnati and Ohio State, and he thinks Noah Potter can be an instant starter on the Cincinnati Bearcats defensive line. The Cincinnati Bearcats having nine players drafted is impressive enough. But now the possibility of some being candidates for Rookie of the Year is something not thought of before. Alex thinks Sauce Gar...
May 17, 2022•32 min•Ep. 110
In this edition of Bold Prediction Tuesday, Alex gives five bold predictions on the Cincinnati Bearcats quarterbacks. Alex still believes Evan Prater will be the starting quarterback at the start of the season, and he has high expectations for him this season. Like really high expectations. If Prater does end up being the starter, what happens to Ben Bryant? Alex expects him to not be around for long if that's the case. But if he does leave, where would he go? Find Locked On Bearcats on your fav...
May 17, 2022•26 min•Ep. 109
Alex unveils the four greatest players, games and moments in Cincinnati Bearcats football history as part of Mount Rushmore Monday. Is Tony Pike or Desmond Ridder the better player? And where does Sauce Gardner rank on the list, if he's on it at all? Where does the Cincinnati Bearcats win at Notre rank on the list of the greatest games? And the win that got people to care about the program ranks high on the list. What about the four greatest moments? Where does Pike to Binns rank? If it's on a b...
May 16, 2022•35 min•Ep. 108
Alex believes that if the Cincinnati Bearcats aren't competing for a Big 12 championship and subsequent College Football Playoff berth by year two in the Big 12 conference, then last year's run to the CFP is fluke. With the NFL schedule out, Alex shares his thoughts on the Cincinnati Bearcats 2022 schedule. A benefit of going to the Big 12 is avoiding the early "life or death" game. Alex then shares his thoughts on the Bengals schedule, and the excitement of eight games starting at 4:25 or later...
May 13, 2022•34 min•Ep. 107
Alex chronicles how the Cincinnati Bearcats rise to the College Football Playoff would make a great 30 For 30 documentary. Every documentary has a conflict, a backstory. For the Cincinnati Bearcats, it would be the slow bottoming out following former head coach Brian Kelly's departure. But then enter head coach Luke Fickell, and the rising up from the ashes in beginning in 2018. Profiles of Desmond Ridder and Sauce Gardner plus features on Brady Collins, Marcus Freeman, Michael Warren, Josh Whyl...
May 12, 2022•32 min•Ep. 106
Alex explains why Evan Prater should be the Cincinnati Bearcats starting quarterback in 2022. And fans can look to the third offensive possession of the 2018 season-opener for proof of why he should be. The other quarterback in the competition, Ben Bryant, does have a year of experience as a starter. But that doesn't mean he will provide as much stability as Evan Prater will. And with a move to the Big 12 looming, Alex thinks giving Prater a year of experience as a starter will be very valuable....
May 11, 2022•30 min•Ep. 105
Alex gives five bold predictions for the cornerbacks on the 2022 Cincinnati Bearcats football roster. New position coach Kerry Coombs helped the Cincinnati Bearcats lead the country with 26 interceptions back in 2007. Could that mean an increase in interceptions for this year's team? The cornerback room has been instrumental the last four years in the Cincinnati Bearcats ranking in the top 10 in points allowed per game. Will that trend continue this year? Is there a cornerback we aren't talking ...
May 09, 2022•29 min•Ep. 104
Alex is joined by AllBearcats reporter Russ Heltman to talk about the Cincinnati Bearcats draft class and recent men's basketball commits. Russ thinks Desmond Ridder should be the Falcons starting quarterback, and that Alec Pierce could not have gone to a better situation than the Indianapolis Colts. Russ says Rayvon Griffith's commitment to the men's basketball program is the foundation heading into the Big 12. And he thinks the additions in the transfer portal, headlined by Landers Nolley II, ...
May 08, 2022•35 min•Ep. 103
Can Sauce Gardner be the next Darelle Revis? Alex answers that question and says Gardner being targeted more in his rookie season than in college could help get him to Revis Island level. Desmond Ridder will bring stability to a Falcons franchise that has struggled to maintain it throughout its history. Alex also thinks it will be a seamless transition from Matt Ryan to Desmond Ridder at the Falcons quarterback position. Alex then shifts gears to the Cincinnati Bengals. There was an article on N...
May 06, 2022•36 min•Ep. 102
Alex is joined by Locked On Falcons host Aaron Freeman to talk about them drafting Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder. Alex and Aaron talk about whether or not Ridder can be the starting quarterback this upcoming season, and if he can fit into head coach Arthur Smith's offense. Alex asks Aaron whether or not he thinks the Falcons are in a rebuild and how that impacts Ridder's playing time this season and beyond. Ridder will have big shoes to fill taking over for former Falcons quarte...
May 04, 2022•36 min•Ep. 101
Alex explains why Rayvon Griffith's commitment to the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball program could be just the beginning as they prepare to make a move into the Big 12. Desmond Ridder's no-limits-mentality will serve him well in the NFL, and Alex believes that him being doubted over the years will make him work that much harder to win the starting quarterback job for the Falcons. There are many great Bearcats players in this draft class, and it shows how they were all great players on last...
May 03, 2022•23 min•Ep. 100
Alex recaps the historic weekend for the Cincinnati Bearcats football program that saw nine players get drafted and another sign as an undrafted free agent. Can quarterback Desmond Ridder become the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback? Alex thinks Ridder is they key that can unlock Atlanta's offense. While the Falcons did sign veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota in the offseason, Alex believes that Ridder's no-limits ceiling is best-suited for the Falcons. Alex then breaks down the other Bearcat...
May 02, 2022•39 min•Ep. 99
Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Sauce Gardner was chosen fourth overall by the New York Jets. Alex is happy that Sauce is going to an organization that actually knows what they're doing. Alex then shares his thoughts from a fun, riveting and unpredictable night in the NFL Draft. With Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder still on the board, which team will select him today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 29, 2022•22 min•Ep. 98
Alex is joined by AllBearcats reporter Russ Heltman to talk about the Cincinnati Bearcats in the NFL Draft. Russ says it's the biggest weekend in the history of Cincinnati Bearcats football as it will show future recruits that they can come here and make it to the NFL. Russ thinks quarterback Desmond Ridder is easily a day one starter in the NFL, but he thinks that means his best landing spot is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alex and Russ then talk about which Cincinnati Bearcat after Sauce Gardner a...
Apr 28, 2022•41 min•Ep. 97
Alex explains why the Tennessee Titans would, in fact, be the best landing spot for Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder. The Titans have a good cast of offensive weapons around him, including the best running back in the NFL in Derrick Henry. Ridder going to the Titans means he would not be going to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alex shares the conflicting feelings he would have if Ridder were to get drafted by the black and yellow. All week Alex has said Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Sau...
Apr 27, 2022•33 min•Ep. 96
Alex is joined by Locked On LSU host, Caroline Fenton. Alex and Caroline debate who will be the first cornerback taken off the board: LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. or Cincinnati's Sauce Gardner. Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder recently compared himself to Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Caroline offers hints Ridder getting drafted by the Titans could be a possibility, which Alex would be all in on. Especially since that means Ridder doesn't get drafted by the Pittsburgh St...
Apr 26, 2022•42 min•Ep. 95
