Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell checks in with the quarterbacks during the first day of preseason training camp at the University of Cincinnati s Sheakley Athletic Complex in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. Bearcats Football Camp — © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Luke Fickell: 'Decision-Making Very Important' in QB Battle

Fickell, Mike Tressel and the QBs discussed the opening days of fall camp.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Aug 8, 2022 4:16 PM EDT

CINCINNATI — Ben Bryant, Evan Prater, and the coaching staff spoke after practice at Higher Ground on Monday. If defensive coordinator Mike Tressel's comments are any indication—it remains clear fans shouldn't expect a quick decision.

"There could be a vote," Tressel said about the battle. "I bet it would be split right down the middle amongst the coaching staff. It's sort of impressive right now."

Neither QB has separated from the other about a week into camp as both continue to show signs they can start for a Top-25 team. The two are rooming together, a quirk in this process that's fostering a deeper bond in their friendship.

"We're in bed early, lights off, watching TikTok, showing each other funny videos," Ben Bryant said about the room situation. "It's really chill in there. We have a good time, joke around, and it's not weird at all. We're friends."

On the field, I couldn't tell much of a difference from practice on Saturday. Both QBs have strengths, both made mistakes, and head coach Luke Fickell made it clear on Sunday what one big factor in the choice will be.

"Decision-making is always the thing," Fickell said. "We keep talking about how we are a young team. Well, we got a lot of older guys who have been here a long time, who are great leaders. They just haven't had the experiences on the field. The decision-making at the quarterback position is very important."

Prater echoed that sentiment in his comments on another huge process in his football career.

"It just revs everything up," Prater said about going from a backup to a QB battle. "With Desmond (Ridder), you knew he was the guy, this was his program. The big thing for me is just trying step into that leadership role he had—being vocal, being out there and competing every day."

The coaches will continue ramping up the team drills as camp progresses. Right now, it's clear the defense is still ahead of the offense, especially one that's using a pair of QBs with opposite skill sets.

The painting is blurry, but that focus will sharpen each new day at Higher Ground.

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