Senior Spotlight: Big East Conference

CINCINNATI BEARCATS @ LOUISVILLE CARDINALS – NOVEMBER 14 - 8:00 ON ESPN2

CB Mike Mickens, Cincinnati

Mickens burst on the scene as a true freshman – earning a starting role and finishing second in the nation in passes defensed – and he has continued to improve each season. The Bearcats’ senior has the prototypical length for a corner with the wingspan to challenge receivers on any ball thrown in his vicinity. He is always around the pigskin, despite the fact that since his true freshman season, opposing quarterbacks have been looking in his direction with less frequency. Mickens is dangerous with the ball in his hands, evidenced by his two touchdowns off interceptions last season. He looks to be able to play in either a man-to-man or a zone-based defensive scheme. Mickens has smooth hips and is capable of turning and running with receivers without losing a step.
2008: 59 Tackles, Three Interceptions (12 PDs)

QB Hunter Cantwell, Louisville

Cantwell has the prototypical build of a drop back, pocket passing quarterback, possessing the type of height and bulk many signal callers around the country envy. He also has a strong arm and is capable of making all the throws. Until this season, Cantwell had been mostly raw potential – he had only four career starts heading into his senior campaign after backing up fellow Kentucky native Brian Brohm the last three seasons. In terms of his ability as a pocket passer, Cantwell has a pretty high ceiling, but he is still learning on the job to some extent. His accuracy and decision making still leave something to be desired – he has thrown an interception in six straight games. He has dealt with numerous losses for the Cardinals, both in graduation and injuries.
2008: 1,743 Yards, 13 Touchdowns, 11 Interceptions

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Louisville, Cincinnati)