Gino Guidugli | ZOOM |

        When University of Cincinnati coach Rick Minter evaluates his team as it closes out its spring session with today's annual Red and Black game at Nippert Stadium, he should have a pretty good idea where his Bearcats stand at each position.

        That is, with one exception.

        While upperclassmen Adam Hoover and John Leonard will continue to slug it out today for the chance to inherit the starting quarterback job, the most intriguing candidate to replace three-year starter Deontey Kenner will be watching from the stands.

        UC signee Gino Guidugli, the Highlands High standout who was Kentucky's Mr. Football runner-up in 2000, hopes today will be the last time he enters Nippert Stadium as a spectator, at least for the next four years.

        “I'm going to try to step in and win the starting position sometime this year — if not for the first game — and get in there and win some games,” he said.

        Minter has said Guidugli will have an opportunity to earn playing time in the fall.

        “He can help us for two reasons,” Minter said. “First, because of his own ability as a player. And also because of our lack of an incumbent starter.”

        Guidugli, who led Highlands to three consecutive Kentucky Class AAA state titles while amassing 7,397 yards passing, signed with UC last month after backing out of his commitment to UK.

        “We're excited about having Gino in the fall,” Minter said. “The worst thing, though, would be for us to expect too much too quickly.”

        Minter likes what he sees in the veterans, Hoover and Leonard. Hoover, a senior, made two starts for the Bearcats last year, passing for 665 yards. Leonard, a junior, gained much of his experience while playing in 10 games for Arizona State before joining UC in 2000.

        “Right now it's a neck-and-neck race between John Leonard and Adam Hoover,” Minter said. “Perhaps if we had to go tomorrow against Purdue (season opener), the start would go to Leonard. But they'd both play.”

        Waiting in the wings, though, is Guidugli.

Satterfield gone for good Huggins may be out of Cavs picture UC loses out on 7-foot center Guidugli watches and waits

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