UC Running Back Named to Hornung Award Preseason Watchlist

CINCINNATI — Ryan Montgomery is a chameleon on offense and special teams, prompting a spot on the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watchlist. The award goes to the most versatile player in college football.

Montgomery figures to have a decent role in the Bearcats backfield this year, and he's the unquestioned best punt returner on the team. The senior ran for a career-high 312 yards on a blistering 6.8 yards per carry in 2021. He also toted three touchdowns last season and six catches for 42 yards.

Montgomery was a monster in the punt return game, finishing the campaign with 20 punt returns for 229 yards, and helped Cincinnati rank 33rd nationally in punt return efficiency.

He is a key piece of two phases for the Bearcats and could set more career-highs in 2022. UC now has nine players on watchlists of seven national awards.