AAC Spring Practice: Biggest Questions for Each Team

Dec 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) drops back to pass against the Houston Cougars during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bearcats

Biggest Question: Can Gunner Kiel get healthy?

In a spread-out offense with three wide receivers coming back, the Cincinnati Bearcats have lots of skill and talent to work with in the spring as Tommy Tuberville enters his third year with the team. The hype surrounding the returning talent has fans in Southern Ohio thinking about an outright conference championship if things go right, and for the most part the offensive players already have pretty good chemistry.

That makes Gunner Kiel’s health the biggest question going forward.

Kiel was taken out of multiple games this past year due to injury, but he still managed to throw for more than 3,200 yards and for 31 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions. This guy could be the superstar passer of the conference and among Group of Five teams if everything goes as it could this upcoming year, but for that to happen he has to stay healthy.

At the same time, he’s got to make sure he keeps his chemistry with his receivers, so while the focus should be on him getting healthy, Kiel has got to make sure he stays in rhythm. That will make for an awkward balance in the spring.

Next: East Carolina Pirates Spring Practice