James

Wiggins

Wiggins (6'0/205) emerged as a force in 2018, recording 42 tackles, six PBU and four interceptions while achieving second-team All-AAC accolades. Interestingly, three of his four interceptions were “walk-off” interceptions that sealed the game for the Bearcats. Unfortunately Wiggins sustained an ACL tear in 2019, but managed to rehab and returned to the field this season, recording 32 tackles, six PBU and an interception. He was mentioned in Bruce Feldman’s annual college football freaks list, running a 4.44 40-yard dash while posting a 35-inch vertical jump. It is also said that Wiggins squats 725 and can bench 225 pounds for 18 reps. He should be a middle round option for teams in need of safety help.

The Bearcats secondary has been one of the best in college football this year. Not one of the best in the Group of Five; one of the best in the country, period. Wiggins, a senior safety, has been a contributor to the unit’s success, racking up 32 tackles, six passes defended, and a pick this season. Not having Wiggins versus a high-flying passing offense such as Georgia’s could be an issue.

Wiggins (6'0/205) was scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday morning. The initial injury occurred during Monday’s practice. While Cincinnati is off to a 1-0 start following Thursday’s win over UCLA, the long-term loss of the junior safety could be a tough one to paper over for. Wiggins is a ball hawk’s ball hawk, recording 54 tackles with four interceptions, a forced fumble and nine passes defensed last season. He is also one of the most dynamic athletes in college, with The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman ranking him as CFB’s No. 39 “freak” over the summer. Tough, tough loss for the Bearcats, here. Ja’Von Hicks figures to be tasked with a larger role moving forward with Wiggins no longer a healthy option.

Wiggins (6'0/205), one of the most athletic defenders in college football, has been declared out indefinitely according to Thamel so it’s unknown when he’ll be able to return to action. It was reported Monday that the junior tweaked his left knee during practice, and the severity of the injury remains unknown. Last season Wiggins accounted for 54 total tackles (2.0 for loss), four interceptions, nine passes defensed and one forced fumble. If he’s indeed unable to play Thursday night, sophomore Ja’Von Hicks would most likely slide into the starting lineup.

Feldman slots the 6-foot, 202-pound Wiggins in as his No. 39 “freak” athlete in college football. That makes freak recognition in back-to-back summers for Wiggins. He was actually timed even faster a year ago, when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds. Beyond the smooth speed, Wiggins also packs stellar strength, capable of a 725-pound squat and 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press (remember, he weighs just 202 pounds). Wiggins put all that athleticism to work in logging 54 tackles, four interceptions and five passes defensed across 13 games for the upstart Bearcats last season.

Wiggins (6'0/202) was all kinds of active in 2018, picking off four passes (one returned for touchdown) with five passes defensed in 13 games. He comes equipped not only with a nose for the ball, but also a stellar athletic profile. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman singled him out for Freak List status last summer. Among his athletic bonafides, he possesses 4.40-second wheels in the 40-yard dash with tremendous leaps (37 inches vertically, 11 feet broad) and big boy strength (capable of benching 405 pounds and squatting 675 pounds). Trapasso views Wiggins as a long-shot darkhorse for a Day 1 draft pick next spring, but admits that the redshirt junior is going to need to ace the upcoming season as well as the evaluating process beyond if he is to have any chance of seeing Round 1 interest. For now, consider Wiggins a prospect to keep an interested eye on for the fall campaign.