UC Bearcats defense swarming, popping as end of training camp nears

Luka logs his second 50-point game this season

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UC Bearcats defense swarming, popping as end of training camp nears

Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer · The Enquirer

Thu, Aug 20, 2026 ·

5 min read

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With practice over for 30 minutes on Thursday, Aug. 20, one Cincinnati Bearcats player remained on the field near the student section.

Doing a version of shadowboxing, he would get into a three-point stance, then rise, dodging mythical blockers. He then went to the goalpost and worked on a move around it as if it were an all-league left tackle.

Thomas Johnson is one of 22 transfers, coming from UNC-Central, where he had 12 sacks, 49 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. Like several Bearcats, he's trying to prove he belongs in power conference football.

UC Bearcats football depth chart UC Bearcats football depth chart projections, takeaways on Aug. 17

UC Bearcats football scrimmage 5 takeaways from Cincinnati Bearcats dress rehearsal scrimmage Aug. 15

"I'm an HBCU guy," Johnson said. "You've got to earn your respect."

Cincinnati Bearcats training camp is coming to a close with the first day of classes Aug. 24. UC has been practicing at 10 a.m. throughout the month of August.

Wearing the black shirts, the defense has embraced new coordinator Nate Woody's 3-4 blitzing, aggressive attack. Likewise, the offense has benefited, as every score is earned.

Come Sept. 5, Johnson will be looking at that Nippert Stadium student section again with his teammates on the major conference stage.

5 takeaways from Cincinnati Bearcats Aug. 20 training camp

Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) carries the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jayzon Thompson (26) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Inside Linebacker Mantay Weedon (44) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) catches a punt during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zach Taylor (76) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Zylan Perry (7) speaks with teammates during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zac Clarke (63) blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Evan Weinberg hits a pad during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Dadrien Waller (19) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Cole Tabb runs the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Landen Schaefer (32) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver DaMari Witherspoon (88) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Worthy (8) defends as Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Giyahni Kontosis (18) makes a catch during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Elijah Jones (14) takes a knee during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) high fives Cincinnati Bearcats JC French IV (4) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Markell Taylor (27) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jamarion McKinney (21) and Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Xavier Starks (46) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Tight End Gavin Grover (87) stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Evan Tengesdahl stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati offensive lineman Xavier Lozowicki stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Kicker Max Lemasters (93) prepares to kick during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Joe Cotton (74) stands during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Woseley (8) walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) stands on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Isaiah Johnson (0), Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Elijah Janes (14) and Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cade Wolford (8) look on during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver H’eij Jackson (17) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cole Tabb (4) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

1. Cincinnati Bearcats set tone Aug. 20 with major tackle

In an early 11-on11 drill, UC quarterback JC French IV flipped a screen pass to running back Cole Tabb. Tabb has been tough to bring down in practice, but on this morning it was "3-on-3" as offense No. 3 collided with defensive player No. 3, Antwan Peek Jr. Even for a practice thud, it was a violent collision.

Peek grinned through his helmet and liked the hit. Oddly, so did Tabb.

"That's definitely a little wake-up to get you ready for the season," Tabb said. "Sometimes you kind of want that physicality. He's a great player that brings a lot of speed and awesome power. He helps me prepare for what I'm going to see in the season."

Said UC linebacker Damaine Wilson, "His bloodline just shows what type of player he's going to be or that he is. Seeing that was nothing new. He does that every day."

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) throws a pass during UC football training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.

2. UC Bearcats backup quarterback battle

JC French IV is pretty well set as the starter, but Samaj Jones and Liam O'Brien have traded off reps after him. Jones had a good scrimmage last week, and both players have been impressive with their run-pass option plays and their ability to scramble.

The cerebral O'Brien from the Ivy League (Penn) could be on the job in investment banking, but is taking advantage of a final year of eligibility to play Big 12 football.

"Liam's probably the smartest quarterback I've been around," UC co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Pete Thomas said. "We have to pull him back a little bit. He wants all the information, all the checks. He's so smart, he overthinks a little bit. It's fun having him in the room to pick his brain a little bit."

Thomas said each quarterback dedicates the season to someone and puts a picture up on the wall. O'Brien dedicated his to his parents, then revealed the family tree included grads from Cornell, Harvard, Yale and MIT.

"Some stuff he says goes right over our heads," Thomas said.

Cincinnati Bearcats tackle Joe Cotton signs an autograph at UC's "Pancake With Us" open practice Aug. 8.

3. UC's offensive line remains in headlines

Just days after guard Evan Tengesdahl was named a First Team Associated Press Preseason All-American, left tackle Joe Cotton was named to the Panini Senior Bowl watch list.

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Sioux Falls, South Dakota native started all 13 games at left tackle for Cincinnati last fall, anchoring an offensive unit that allowed the fewest sacks (8.0) and tackles for loss (43.0) in the Power Four. His performance earned him All-Big 12 honors and an Outland Trophy National Player of the Week nod following a dominant performance against Iowa State. He's also on this season's Outland Trophy Watch List.

Canadian Nolan Latulippe has been selected as one of the top professional prospects in Canada, earning the No. 12 spot in the Canadian Football League (CFL) Scouting Bureau's Preseason edition of the Class of 2027 prospect rankings. The 6-foot-8, 315-pound Latulippe will see time at tackle this season.

4. UC fans should get to know LB Damaine Wilson

The Bearcats have recently had some luck getting linebackers to the NFL with Ivan Pace Jr. and Jake Golday with the Vikings and Jack Dingle with the Bengals. Now joining Jonathan Thompson, Simeon Coleman, Montay Weedon and Brian Simms III is Wilson from Georgia State, who is expected to be a starter.

Wilson is 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds.

"I'm really just a dog; I go get to the ball any way I can," Wilson said. "I strive to be great. When you talk to God every day, you have to live up to what the hype is. Sometimes the hype can get to your head."

Wilson is learning a lot from senior Thompson, who is on the Preseason Butkus Award list, and he was influenced to come to Cincinnati based on the number of linebackers they've sent to the NFL.

"Jake Golday, I texted him before I committed," Wilson said. "I asked him how is Coach Bras (linebackers coach Cort Braswell). He was like, 'He got me to the league,' so why not?"

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Marquaze Parker (4) claps during the Cincinnati Bearcats Spring Showcase in Cincinnati on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

5. Who mans middle for UC Bearcats defensive line?

Marques Parker and Thomas Johnson look to be outside starters, but the nose tackle position could be a variety of guys. Southern Illinois transfer Elijah Gunn at 6-foot and 307 pounds and freshman Jonathan Rulo at 6-foot-1 and 320 pounds could get time, as will 6-foot-2, 335-pound speedy specimen Josh Hough.

"Josh Hough has had a good training camp getting himself ready to play," defensive line coach Walter Stewart said. "He's a college running back, so he's still got some of that athleticism. It's really impressive. That's a big man that can move."

Stewart also likes the production he's seen from Johnson, who he describes as a "20 TFL guy and a violent player".

As for the chatty Parker, Stewart says the guys use some of his sayings as motivation and that he's good at rallying the troops.

"He's a talker, that's just who he is," Stewart said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC Bearcats defense swarming, popping as end of training camp nears

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Luka logs his second 50-point game this season

5 takeaways from Cincinnati Bearcats Aug. 20 training camp

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8

1. Cincinnati Bearcats set tone Aug. 20 with major tackle

2. UC Bearcats backup quarterback battle

3. UC's offensive line remains in headlines

4. UC fans should get to know LB Damaine Wilson

5. Who mans middle for UC Bearcats defensive line?