Transfer Spotlight – Cincinnati DT Jowon Briggs

At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history.  Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above).  In the Transfer Spotlight we take a look at the potential impact of top Transfers in 2021.  Today we take a look at Cincinnati DT Jowon Briggs who was an impact player on the defensive line for Virginia.

An Instant Impact Player

Briggs wasted little time getting in the rotation at Virginia. He became a starter on the Cavaliers defensive line as a true freshmen. Briggs made his presence felt on the interior of the defensive line, managing 19 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and a sack over 13 games as a true freshmen. He seemed primed for a big role in 2020 and the season started out well for Briggs.

Jowon Briggs was even better as a sophomore, he got off to a fast start and was one of the risers in our first update to the defensive tackle rankings during the season. Through the first seven games of the season, Briggs was a menace for opposing offenses recording 20 tackles and 4 tackles for loss with 3 sacks. Then, just as quickly as it began, Briggs Virginia career was over as the star defensive tackle announced he would be entering the transfer portal.

Briggs did not play again and no official reason was given for his transfer, but it was assumed he wanted to be closer to home. Briggs did transfer close to home, when he decided to continue his college football career at Cincinnati. Luke Fickell’s team is coming off an impressive season that saw them win the AAC with an undefeated run, then come up just three points short against Georgia in the Peach Bowl. Briggs has the opportunity to join a talented team close to home and help them reach new heights in 2021.

Jowon Briggs’ Game

Jowon Briggs is a well built 6’1″ 310 lbs. Briggs uses his physicality well on the football field, playing with good functional strength at the point of attack. but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and explosiveness. He has played as a nose tackle for Virginia in their 3 – 4 front, but has the quickness to play in a 4 – 3 front as well. Briggs has added technique and nuance to his game, which has helped him get more out of his physical ability.

Briggs is not just a physically impressive player, he demonstrates a good understanding of the game and uses it to give himself an advantage. He reads his keys well and reacts quickly and accurately to the play. Briggs is able to out leverage blockers because he figures out what they are doing before they can execute it. His intelligence and physical ability make him a difficult match-up at the line of scrimmage.

Outlook at Cincinnati

Cincinnati had a great season in 2020, earning a New Year’s Six Bowl appearance. The Bearcats finished 9 – 1 behind a dominant defense that was the best in the AAC in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense. The team allowed less than 17 points per game and held seven of ten opponents to 20 points or less. The Bearcats do lose some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but should be very good again in 2021.

The Bearcats lose both starting safeties, star linebacker Jarrell White and defensive tackle Elijah Ponder. White led the team in tackles while Ponder made 4 tackles for loss from his defensive tackle spot. Fortunately, Cincinnati returns star pass rusher Myjai Sanders, linebacker Darrian Beavers and two excellent corners in Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant. Despite the losses there is plenty of talent available on defense for new defensive coordinator Mike Tressel to work with.

With Jowon Briggs joining Sanders on the defensive line the unit could be even better in 2021. He is a veteran presence and a proven player that will add production immediately at the defensive tackle position. With Desmond Ridder returning to quarterback the team again, Cincinnati’s offense will be in good hands as well.

Briggs will not only be able to earn playing time, but will provide a boost to an already strong defense. He has already proven he is a high level defensive lineman in college football. Luke Fickell’s team has the talent and experience to be even better in 2021 and Briggs could be one of the key pieces that puts the team over the top.

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Bearcats vs UConn image taken by 5chw4r7z is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.