Luke Fickell took over the football program for the Cincinnati Bearcats as something of a rising star in the industry. Though the former Ohio State assistant hasn't yet had much time to transform his new program, Fickell is already doing yeoman's work on the recruiting trail and that came to fruition in the form of a massive 2018 pick-up this week.
Four-star 2018 tight end Josh Whyle announced his pledge to Cincinnati on Thursday afternoon.
Though Whyle is the first four-star prospect committed to Cincinnati for next year's class, this sends a big-time message for the Bearcats. The 6'6, 215-pound tight end hails from nearby LaSalle High School in Cincinnati, giving the hometown team a solid advantage. Still, Whyle reportedly picked the Bearcats over a star-studded list of programs including Auburn, Louisville, Oregon, Tennessee, Wisconsin and others.
It may not become a regular occurrence to see Cincinnati out-dueling some of the biggest programs from the SEC, Big Ten and Pac-12 but this is an important pick-up for Fickell and his staff. The Bearcats now boast a legitimate top-flight prospect at a position of need and things are looking up for Cincinnati as they attempt to dominate the American Athletic Conference on an annual basis.
