Thursday, September 14, 2000

UC's plan calls for more Vann

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Receiver made key plays in win over Syracuse

By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LaDaris Vann scores a TD against Ohio State last year. | ZOOM |

        Judging by what University of Cincinnati wide receiver LaDaris Vann did against Syracuse — he had three of the Bearcats' seven big offensive plays in the 12-10 upset — the coaches will find a way to get him even more involved in the offense Saturday vs. Wisconsin.

        “He's a guy we have to find a way to keep active in the game plan,” UC coach Rick Minter said. “It's easy to lean on Baker and A.C. (seniors Jason Collins-)Baker and Antonio Chatman), but there isn't anybody who's a bigger gamer than L.V.”

        All five of Vann's touches came in the second half.

        The first (a nice catch of a slightly high pass for a 7-yard gain and a first down) set the tone on UC's first offensive drive of the second half and told Syracuse that UC was going to start moving.

UC vs. WISCONSIN

• When: 2 p.m. Saturday   • Where: Camp Randall Stadium (76,129), Madison, Wis.   • Radio: WCKY-AM (1360)   • Series: Wisconsin leads 2-1 (last: 1999, UC won 17-12).

        The second (a 20-yard reverse as part of a 47-yard drive) put the Orangemen back on their heels and let them know the Bearcats were going to use every play in the book to loosen them up.

        The third was the biggest play (20-yard pass) in a 14-play, 62-yard drive that produced a field goal to cut Syracuse's lead to 7-3 early in the fourth quarter.

        The fourth was the biggest play of all — arguably the play of the game, Minter said — on third-and-7 from the UC 28-yard line. The Bearcats trailed 7-6 with eight minutes left. Syracuse blitzed, but UC quarterback Deontey Kenner saw it coming and flipped a quick 4-yard pass to Vann.

        Vann appeared to be stopped 2 yards short of the first down but busted a tackle and went 30 more yards — for a total of 35 yards — to the Syracuse 37. A UC field goal put the 'Cats up 9-7.

        “That was our motto all day: "Somebody make a play,'” Minter said. “And, by golly, L.V. made it.”

        Vann lulled the SU defense to sleep. He made it look like he had been stopped, then burst forward. On videotape, it's as clear as the “6” on Vann's back. The defenders thought he was down.

        “It was a case of L.V.'s ability plus (offensive linemen) Kirt Doolin and Doug Rosfeld hustling their tails off downfield and knocking people off,” Minter said.

        Vann didn't mind that it took a full half for the Bearcats to get him the ball.

        “I knew they were going to get around to me,” Vann said. “I just had to wait.”

        The Bearcats are thrilled to have Vann; they almost didn't.

        He was the last player signed during the summer of 1999. He was added to the team only after a previous signee failed to gain admitted to UC. Vann went on to break the freshman records for receptions (37) and receiving yards (547) and was named Conference USA co-freshman of the year. He probably won't have to wait for the ball Saturday.

        “He wants the ball in his hands — and he can do something with it when he gets it,” Minter said. “He's a winner.”

       

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UC's plan calls for more Vann

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