Offense Preview

Senior quarterback Cam Sanders leads the Bearcats this season. Sanders has a cannon of an arm and plays an athletic style of quarterback, using his legs to gain yardage when there’s not an open pass. Sanders plays basketball and football, and Quarterbacks Coach Mike Harville says he uses that experience to his advantage as a passer.

“He’s kind of like a point guard,” Harville said. “Sometimes you’re flashy passing and things like that. He’s always got some tricks up his sleeve.”

Senior running back Keenan Phillips assumes the lead back role, with seniors Javon Cox and Travious Freeman playing alongside him. The trio has been playing since 7th grade, and Running Backs Coach Larry Crosby said each one brings a distinct flair to the offense.

“With Phillips, he’s a combination back that can do both,” Crosby said. “Freeman, we call him our bruiser, and Cox our finesse guy.”

Phillips is a three-star recruit and has gained national recognition. He has received 13 offers from college football programs across the nation,

Wide Receivers Coach Blake Cecil said his receiver group this season has a family-like bond. The squad is made up entirely of returning players, most being upperclassmen.

“Everybody knows the expectations, and they do a good job of holding each other accountable,” Cecil said. “It makes the locker room better.”

Seniors Antavious Murphy, Darius Mills, Corey Sanders, and juniors Luke Griffin and Cam- ryn “Scoop” Scott make up the wide receiver core. Junior Antavious Harris and sophomores Jah’Bari Smith and Nekorion Thomas round out the depth. Murphy is the standout of the group. The three-star prospect has 15 college offers on the table.

Protecting them is an offensive line that has grown bigger in number and size over the offseason. The line is made up of four returning starters and a group of developing sophomores to give depth. The team has a handful of 300-pounders to “finally” give the team some size, according to Offensive Line Coach Justin Palmer.

The 2023 Bearcat offense excels in athleticism, giving them an edge over their opponents and giving fans entertaining play to watch.

“I don’t think you want to get up and go to the concession stand in the middle of the game,” Harville said. “You’re liable to miss something.”