Frey receives preseason honor

--Senior strong safety Drew Frey was named one of 117 nominees for the 2012 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, which recognizes college football players who make a difference in their communities. Frey is involved in UC's Cats in the Community program and regularly volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

--Jordan Luallen has switched positions three times during the preseason. Luallen, who played QB last season, was moved to wide receiver during spring practice. He was moved to linebacker at the start of summer training camp but was moved back to wide receiver after a week. Luallen's size and athleticism has Butch Jones wondering how to make the best use of the 6-foot-3, 222-pound junior.

--Defensive lineman John Williams, a three-year starter at Central Michigan, transferred to UC last spring and earned a spot on the roster as a walk-on. Williams, who earned his undergraduate degree at CMU, is eligible to play for the Bearcats this season since he has eligibility remaining and is enrolled in UC's graduate program. He is expected to be a key contributor on the defensive line.

SERIES HISTORY
Pittsburgh leads Cincinnati 8-3 (last meeting Nov. 5, 2011, 26-23 UC)

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
QB Munchie Legaux says he's more comfortable with the offense now that he has a full training camp under his belt and the experience of five starts last season which produced mix results. Legaux has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Leading rusher Isaiah Pead is gone to the NFL, but there's plenty of athleticism within the running back committee of George Winn, Jameel Poteat, and Ralph David Abernathy IV. The receiving corps is deep led by Kenbrell Thompkins.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The emergence of a consistent pass rush helped the Bearcats defense be among the nation's most improved last season. But sacks leader Derek Wolfe is gone to the NFL, and despite consistent pressure on opposing QBs the Bearcats still allowed more than 260 yards passing per game in 2011. Ends Walter Stewart and Dan Giordano anchor the defensive front which will try to take the pressure off an improved secondary headed by senior strong safety Drew Frey and senior defensive back Cam Cheatham.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We made significant progress. With a lot of young players it's the habits that we're forming. The first game is always the game that's the unknown. You never know how players are going to react in situations? -- Butch Jones on preparation for Thursday's opener against Pittsburgh.

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