The mass exodus from the Bearcats' offensive line room continued on Tuesday as redshirt senior guard Lorenz Metz declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
"I want to thank the University of Cincinnati, the coaching staff, and my professors for investing and believing in me throughout my journey," Metz said in his statement. "It is because of them that I am confident and equipped for this next stage of life. I also want to thank my friends and family, both in Germany and the United States, and especially my wife, for the love they have given me. With their support, they have enabled me to face what once felt impossible. With this, I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft."
The German entered a starting role during the 2021 season at right guard for eight games and dealt with injuries this past season before starting the final five games of the campaign.
He was a solid player at right tackle and guard during his career, which included All-AAC First Team honors in 2021. He is a massive loss with a year of eligibility remaining.
The offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback are now top priorities in that order from the transfer portal. Only starting center Gavin Gerhardt remains up front, and he was a backup before Jake Renfro was lost for the season before Week 1.
Metz isn't among the top 654 players on the consensus NFL big board.
Click here for all of the latest transfer portal updates as Cincinnati tries to reshape its offensive line.
You May Also Like the following:
UC Legend Desmond Ridder Wins First NFL Game As Starter With Falcons 20-19
Three-Man Weave: Temple Stifles UC's Offense 70-61
UC Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. Declares For 2023 NFL Draft
Bearcats Edge Rusher Jabari Taylor Declares For 2023 NFL Draft
Recruiting Roundup: UC Offers Pair Of Four-Star Running Backs
Report: UC Hiring First Football General Manager In School's History
NFL Executives Overwhelming Name Sauce Gardner NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year
2022 UC Football Signing Day Tracker
UC Cornerback Arquon Bush Declares For 2023 NFL Draft
Sauce Gardner, Kelce Brothers Make 2023 NFL Pro Bowl
UC Running Back Charles McClelland Declares For 2023 NFL Draft
Watch: Viktor Lakhin, Ody Oguama, Wes Miller Discuss 72-54 Win Over Detroit Mercy
Three Man Weave: Cincinnati Rolls 72-54 Over Antoine Davis, Detroit
Watch: UC Head Coach Scott Satterfield Discusses Transfer QB Emory Jones, 2023 Football Class
UC Offensive Tackle James Tunstall Declares For 2023 NFL Draft
Watch: Desmond Ridder Hypes Up Falcons, Hits Drake London Over The Middle In first NFL Start
Final Huddle: UC Falls Flat Against Louisville 24-7 In Fenway Bowl
Look: Louisville Brings Keg Of Nails To Fenway Bowl; UC Releases Final Hype Video Of 2022 Season
Look: UC Rocking 'The Cats' Throwback Uniforms Against Miami
-----
Be sure to keep it locked on All Bearcats all the time!
Follow All Bearcats on Twitter: @AllBearcats
Like All Bearcats on FaceBook: All Bearcats
Follow All Bearcats on Instagram: @BearcatsTalk
More must-reads: