Cincinnati looks to Munchie Legaux to continue QB legacy

Let's get this out of the way at the start: If you choose to go by "Munchie," you'd better be good. And if you are taking up residence as the starting quarterback at the University of Cincinnati after Zach Collaros and Tony Pike, then, again, you'd better be good.

Thus the challenge facing the Bearcats' incoming starter at quarterback, junior Munchie Legaux.

Stepping in after Collaros was injured against West Virginia last season, Legaux was able to get his feet wet, leading Cincinnati to a 2-2 record in their final four games. He was most impressive, perhaps, in his first significant action of his career.

With Collaros out and the Bearcats trailing 17-7, Legaux led Cincinnati on a pair of scoring drives, prompting the crowd at Paul Brown Stadium to chant his name. Though the Mountaineers would eventually prevail, Legaux gained valuable experience that day. Cincinnati lost to Rutgers the next week, but bounced back to beat both Syracuse and Connecticut to finish the season. In those final two wins, Legaux threw for 386 yards with five touchdowns and only two interceptions.

And, really, that's all that has been seen of him. Collaros was back for the bowl game and Legaux didn't see the field, so his legacy was cemented in those 3-plus games late in the season. He may still have some proving to do to his coach, Butch Jones, as well. Jones has not officially named Legaux the starter, though there is little chance he gets supplanted between now and September.

Aside from Collaros, the Bearcats will also be replacing RB Isaiah Peed, last year's Big East offensive player of the year. The top returning rusher for Cincinnati rushed for just 219 yards. So Legaux -- regarded as a dual-threat quarterback -- will not only have to pick up the slack throwing the football, but running it as well.

A tall order, no matter where you're taking over. But unfortunately for Legaux, he will be trying to continue a trend at Cincinnati of solid quarterback play. In order for that to occur, he'll have to do it with a lot less around him than Pike and Collaros.

Though the receiving corps remains largely intact, Legaux is the team's second-best rusher from a season ago -- after compiling just 185 yards. Without a solid running game behind him, it may be a one-man show for the Bearcats on offense.

And with a guy named Munchie at the helm, it won't be hard to get noticed.

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