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Instant Impact: Cincinnati Bearcats Hoping Young Defenders Build on Successful Freshman Seasons
Nov 30, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Jeremy Payne (26) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jiquan Sanks (9) in the third quarter at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Instant Impact: Cincinnati Bearcats Hoping Young Defenders Build on Successful Freshman Seasons

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bearcats on SI
By James Rapien  |  Last updated Jun 4, 2025 4:37 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bearcats are hoping to bounce back after two-straight losing seasons.

If they do right the ship and make a bowl game, linebacker Simeon Coleman and defensive back Jiquan Sanks are going to probably be a big part of their success.

The two freshman were bright spots last season. Sanks appeared in all 12 games, tallying 42 tackles and one pass defensed.

Meanwhile, Coleman logged 238 defensive snaps and finished with 32 total tackles. He was voted to the Freshman All-American team.

The Bearcats haven't had three-straight losing seasons since 1990-92. They hope to get back on the winning side of things this year.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Bearcats on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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