Gino Guidugli has played in only 12 college football games. Yet every time he leads his University of Cincinnati teammates on the field, Guidugli displays immense leadership abilities.

        The clean-shaven, 19-year-old sophomore already has guided the Bearcats to four fourth-quarter comebacks — most recently a Labor Day win against TCU.

        No matter the game, Guidugli uses the same tactics.

        Poise. History.

        Focus. Actions.

        The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Guidugli doesn't jump around before games or bang helmets with teammates on the sideline. He doesn't talk a lot in the huddle, aside from calling plays.

        “He feels like everybody out here is grown, and we all know our role,” said UC running back Tedric Harwell, who is Guidugli's roommate. “If he goes out there and produces, we're all going to feed off that.”

        Guidugli does show his teammates how to relax. He excels at staying level-headed, a trait dating to his high school days at Northern Kentucky powerhouse Highlands High School. Guidugli, a Fort Thomas native, led the Bluebirds to three consecutive Class AAA state titles.

        “If he throws a touchdown pass, he's going to look the same way when he throws an interception,” said former Highlands assistant coach David Bibb. “He's focused on winning the game, not that play.”

        Even after throwing four interceptions Monday, Guidugli stayed calm.

        He also gives his teammates a chance to recover from their mistakes. The Bearcats trailed TCU 29-14 in the fourth quarter when Guidugli threw a pass to receiver Jon Olinger on third-and-10. Olinger lost his concentration and dropped the pass.

        One play later, Guidugli threw the same pass across the middle to Olinger, who gained 13 yards. The play set up the first of three scores.

        “I've got confidence in my quarterback,” Olinger said. “I'll pick nobody above him.”

        Those types of plays not only build the confidence of Olinger but the rest of the team.

        Bearcats center Josh Shneyderov said Olinger's first-down completion was a turning point in the game. As usual, Guidugli didn't say much at the time. But Shneyderov said Guidugli's emotions were all over his face.

        “You can look in his eyes and tell that he's thinking: "I'm your leader; I'm going to take you to the promise land,”' Shneyderov said. “"Follow me, I'll take you there.”'

        He did. In front of a national television audience, Guidugli rallied UC from a 15-point deficit with less than eight minutes remaining to steal a 36-29 season-opening win at Nippert Stadium.

        His legend started Sept.8, 2001 at Army. Guidugli replaced Bearcats starter Adam Hoover late in the first quarter after he suffered a season-ending torn ACL to his left knee.

        Three quarters later, Guidugli notched his first UC victory.

        Over the next 10 games, Guidugli earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors as his Bearcats finished second in the conference (7-5) and reached the Motor City Bowl.

        Despite his success on the field, Guidugli hasn't been as successful at diverting credit. Guidugli rarely talks about his personal aspirations without changing the subject to team goals. He said the attention he receives from the media and fans can be a distraction; his teammates don't get the publicity they deserve.

        “My teammates know that I can't do nothing without them,” Guidugli said.

        But because of his local ties and the position he plays, Guidugli is the center of attention at UC. People whisper when they see him on campus; others stop and talk to him. He doesn't mind.

        “We need all the fans we can get,” Guidugli said.

        This season, expectations point to winning the conference championship and reaching the Liberty Bowl.

        Monday's game was the first step. Before UC's game-tying two-point conversion, head coach Rick Minter asked his offensive line if they could push Guidugli in the end zone on a quarterback sneak.

        “Of course they all said, "Yeah, run behind me,”' Minter said. “I said, "Gino, are you up for this?”'

        Guidugli responded: “Well, if they're for it up front, I am.”

        Few words, many actions.

Soft-spoken QB earns teammates' trust

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