BOISE, Idaho - Now that the newest Bearcat is out of the bag, namely Deontey Kenner, UC coach Rick Minter is reluctant to put too much pressure on his quarterback of the future.
Kenner, a freshman, will spell starter Chad Plummer for several series in today's Humanitarian Bowl. Minter did not want that word to leak out, but when it did two weeks ago, he acknowledged that Kenner would play some. UC insiders believe Kenner could play as much as half the game today while Plummer moonlights at wide receiver, but Minter said only that he will ''see how the game goes.''
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Kenner was one of the best quarterbacks in Kentucky prep history, throwing for 7,046 yards and 80 TDs at Hopkinsville High. The TD total is third-best in state history, trailing only University of Kentucky sensation Tim Couch and Louisville starter Chris Redman.
Kenner, who threw just eight passes this year, said he is confident working behind a senior-dominated offensive line.
''Coach hasn't said how much I'll play, but I'm ready,'' he said. ''I believe this game could tell a lot about what I'll do next year.''
Kenner is considered a better passer than Plummer, who said he is not opposed to switching to wide receiver - his primary high school position - for his senior year in 1998.
Minter said Plummer will be the No. 1 quarterback entering spring drills.
Traveling music
Linebacker Brad Jackson and receiver Brent Petrus rejoined the team here Sunday after playing basketball for UC Saturday night in Cleveland.
Jackson will start today but Petrus, a backup, may not play. Jackson attended most football practices the past few weeks, but Petrus drew Minter's ire by working mostly with the basketball team.
''He's not happy with me, but I'm just glad to be here with my teammates,'' Petrus said. ''Either way, I'll make the best of it.''
Hanging out
A large group of Bearcats went to a 21-cinema complex Friday night to see the movie ''Jackie Brown.'' The team has had little time for recreation, however, having attended a Boise mayor's luncheon Saturday afternoon and Humanitarian Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday night.
Fight night
About 20 Utah State players were involved in a fight early Saturday at a Boise nightclub. No arrests were made, but the players were ejected from the club.
It was not known whether Utah State would discipline any players. Biding time
UC and Utah State players participated in Boise community outreach programs Sunday as part of their bowl participation. In UC's case, half the team visited a local Boys and Girls Club and the other half went to a youth football group. A few also visited a hospital.
Head count
UC said it has bought or distributed 6,500 tickets for the game. The total includes those bought by Cincinnati businesses, with proceeds donated to charity. Still, UC estimates that it could have a few thousand fans today.
Small world
The Bearcats are not the only Cincinnati-area guys playing in Boise.
Devin Davis, the dreadlocked former Miami University star, plays for the Idaho Stampede of the Continental Basketball Association. Davis had 26 points and 11 rebounds as Idaho beat Connecticut 131-114 on Saturday night in Boise.
Scouting report
Bowl reports - Season in stories
Humanitarian Bowl web site
Utah State web site
