Keck, a Kansas native named for 1970s' Oklahoma All-America receiver Tinker Owens, has returned two punts for touchdowns this season, including a 73-yarder to help beat Miami last Saturday.
It is the first time a UC player has returned two punts for touchdowns in one season since Joe Morrison did it in 1956. Keck, a junior free safety who transferred to UC this season from Hutchinson Community College, Kan., also leads UC with four interceptions.
Before the season, coach Rick Minter predicted Keck would lead the nation in interceptions. Keck is tied for 18th place.
''He's not a pleasant surprise. He's everything we thought he'd be,'' Minter said.
Next
So. Miss. (5-2)
at UC (6-2)
When: 3:30 p.m., Saturday
Where:Nippert Stadium
TV:Fox Sports Net
Line:So. Miss by 4 1/2.
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Keck said his name has been a lifelong challenge. People have called him Tinker Bell, Tinker Toy, and worse. Outwardly, he handles it well.
''I think it's made me a stronger person,'' he said.
Yet, it never ends. Last Saturday, a Miami pressbox worker phoned Keck's touchdown to a national sports-ticker service by saying, ''Cincinnati goes ahead 7-3, on a 73-yard punt return by Tinker Keck.''
Pause.
''Honest to God. That's really his name.''
Working OT
The NCAA said that UC is the first Division I-A team to play consecutive overtime games. UC beat rival Miami 34-31 in double OT last Saturday, after losing to Houston 41-38 in two OTs on Oct. 18.
But who's counting
Linebacker Phillip Curry had 15 tackles according to pressbox stats last Saturday, but the total became 22 after UC coaches graded films.
Officially, Curry became the leading tackler in UC history with 442, topping the record 423 set by Karl Woods from 1977-80. This year, linebackers Brad Jackson (23) and Curry (22) have two of the top tackling games in UC history. The record of 24 was set in 1987 by Taft High product Vaughn Booker, who is now with the Kansas City Chiefs.
SEASON IN STORIES
