LaDaris Vann in 2001 action against UConn. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        For three years, LaDaris Vann has defied defenses by catching tough passes.

        The University of Cincinnati receiver did that so well last year, he led the Bearcats and Conference USA with 73 catches, which ranked 16th in the nation.

        But for all his receptions last season, Vann scored only three times.

        “It ain't for me, I guess,” Vann said of scoring touchdowns. “My job is to get us down there.”

        He will be counted on to move the chains again this season, which starts when the Bearcats host TCU Sept.2 at Nippert Stadium. Vann, along with fellow senior receivers Tye Keith and Jon Olinger, are expected to improve UC's spread offense.

        If Vann has a year anything like last season, the Bearcats could qualify for their third consecutive bowl game.

        Of his 73 catches in the 2001 regular season, Vann caught 48 for first downs. In UC's Motor City Bowl loss to Toledo, five of his eight catches were for first downs.

        Vann, a 2002 preseason All-Conference USA choice, catches short passes underneath from his slot position. He averaged 12.4 yards per catch in 2001.

        Vann is good at his job, but it isn't easy. Running across the middle is always a challenge with linebackers and safeties nearby.

        The hardest Vann said he has been hit in college was his freshman year against Troy State. He was running across the middle when a linebacker tagged him, launching him in the air. He was met in the air, helmet-to-helmet, with another linebacker and suffered a concussion.

        Vann never let the incident stop him. Later that season, he was named the 1999 C-USA Freshman of the Year.

        Bearcats head coach Rick Minter said Vann has became more consistent every year, and with the emergence of quarterback Gino Guidugli last season, Vann was ready to break out.

        He set a new school record for career receptions (133).

        Scoring inside the red zone is a challenge for Vann. Safeties play closer to the line of scrimmage, making it harder to get open.

        That's when Vann — who was told by football scouts to work on his blocking — gets to pave the way for running back DeMarco McCleskey.

        Vann might not score much this season, but he should have plenty of other accomplishments.

        With his first catch against TCU, Vann will tie a school record for consecutive games with a reception (33). He's also in position to set a new school record in receiving yards. Vann is currently fifth with 1,739 yards.

        “It's worth the banging and beating,” he said.

Stuck in the middle music to Vann's ears

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