Munchie Legaux Gets One More Year with Cincinnati Bearcats

After suffering a gruesome knee injury during the 2013 season, many thought that Munchie Legaux had played his final snap for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The senior had no eligibility remaining and no chance of returning from the leg injury, putting a disappointing cap to his collegiate career. But Legaux and the Cats will get one more year together after the quarterback received an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA through a hardship waiver.

While trying to complete a pass in the September 7 game against the Illinois Fighting Illini, Legaux was hit and had his left leg bent awkwardly. The injury damaged several of the ligaments in his knee and he is still rehabilitating the leg. He won’t be cleared in time for spring practice but hopes to be ready for fall camp. In 31 career games for the Bearcats, Legaux has thrown for 2,847 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 627 yards and seven touchdowns.

Legaux’s return will give Cincinnati a veteran presence under center, though it’s no guarantee he’ll be 100 percent by the start of next season or that he’ll win the upcoming quarterback derby for the Bearcats. Notre Dame Fighting Irish transfer Gunner Kiel and junior college transfer Jarred Evans are going to be taking the majority of the reps for Cincinnati in spring practice, which starts at the end of the month, and could take control of the quarterback job before Legaux even gets cleared to take the field.

At the very least, Legaux will add some depth at quarterback for next season and give the young man a chance to end his collegiate career on a more positive note. Can the quarterback come back and provide a spark to the Cincinnati offense in 2014?

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