Corey Kiner Cincinnati RB Leads Bearcats’ Offensive Charge in Spring Practice
Corey Kiner has become the heart and soul of Cincinnati’s ground attack. The former Ohio Mr. Football returned home after starting his collegiate career elsewhere, and the reunion has been fruitful for both parties.
Since becoming the Bearcats’ starter in 2023, Kiner has established himself as one of the most productive backs in college football. He rushed for 1,047 yards on 192 carries with five touchdowns during his junior season.
What makes Kiner special is his compact 5’9″, 209-pound frame combined with exceptional balance and tackle-breaking ability. He’s not just a power back though – scouts have noted his impressive burst and acceleration when he gets the ball. As Cincinnati navigates its place in the Big 12, Kiner has emerged as the steady offensive force the program needs.
NFL scouts are increasingly taking notice of Kiner’s production and physical running style heading into his senior year. His thick build and low center of gravity make him difficult to bring down on first contact, while his home-state pedigree (he amassed an impressive 7,130 rushing yards at Roger Bacon High School) speaks to his durability and consistency. If he continues his upward trajectory in 2024, expect his draft stock to rise significantly.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Corey Kiner‘s journey to becoming a standout running back began in Cincinnati, where he developed into one of the most prolific rushers in Ohio high school history before catching the attention of major college programs.
High School Achievements
At Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, Kiner established himself as a dominant force on the gridiron. His freshman season provided a glimpse of his potential, as he rushed for an impressive 1,043 yards – the seventh-most in school history for a single season. That was just the beginning.
By the time his high school career concluded, Kiner had accumulated a staggering 7,130 rushing yards, placing him 10th all-time in Ohio high school football history. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Ohio Mr. Football award, cementing his status as the state’s top player.
Kiner’s combination of power and agility at 5’9″ and 209 pounds made him nearly unstoppable at the high school level. His highlight reels showcased his vision, balance, and surprising speed for a back with his compact build.
Recruitment
Kiner’s dominance at Roger Bacon attracted attention from major college programs nationwide. Despite being a Cincinnati native, he initially chose to leave his hometown, signing with LSU out of high school.
The Tigers’ recent national championship success and history of developing NFL running backs made them an attractive destination. However, after his freshman season in Baton Rouge, where he appeared in 11 games and rushed for 320 yards with two touchdowns, Kiner decided to return home.
He transferred to the University of Cincinnati ahead of the 2022 season, bringing his talents back to the city where he first made his name. The move allowed him to continue his development closer to his support system while giving the Bearcats a homegrown talent with SEC experience.
College Career
Corey Kiner’s collegiate journey took him from LSU to his hometown Cincinnati Bearcats, where he established himself as one of the program’s most productive running backs. His career has been marked by steady improvement and impressive statistical achievements.
Transfer from LSU to Cincinnati
Kiner began his college football journey at LSU in 2021, but the Cincinnati native’s heart pulled him back home. After showing flashes of potential in Baton Rouge, Kiner transferred to Cincinnati prior to the 2022 season.
The move represented a homecoming for the former Ohio Mr. Football from Roger Bacon High School. His decision to return to his roots allowed him to play in front of family and friends while becoming a cornerstone of the Bearcats’ rushing attack.
The transition proved seamless as Kiner quickly adapted to Cincinnati’s offense and began making an impact. His running style – a combination of power and elusiveness – made him an ideal fit for the Bearcats’ ground game.
Performance with Cincinnati Bearcats
Kiner’s impact at Cincinnati has been substantial. Standing at 5-10 and weighing 213 pounds, he possesses the ideal build for a running back who can handle a significant workload.
His development curve has been impressive. Kiner’s vision improved each season, allowing him to identify running lanes more effectively. His ball security and pass protection skills also showed marked improvement.
The Cincinnati native finished his Bearcats career in style, posting three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. This strong finish highlighted his durability and ability to produce consistently against quality competition.
By the conclusion of his time at Cincinnati, Kiner had accumulated 2,562 rushing yards, placing him 8th in program history. NFL scouts have taken notice of his production and physical running style.
Statistics Overview
Kiner’s statistical profile shows a running back who improved each season. His career stats at Cincinnati demonstrate his value as both a rusher and occasional receiving threat out of the backfield.
| Season | School | Games | Rush Attempts | Rush Yards | Avg/Carry | Rush TDs | Receptions | Rec Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | LSU | 11 | 79 | 324 | 4.1 | 2 | 10 | 65 |
| 2022 | Cincinnati | 13 | 106 | 487 | 4.6 | 5 | 8 | 48 |
| 2023-24 | Cincinnati | 24 | 391 | 2,075 | 5.3 | 19 | 21 | 173 |
His strong finish to his college career included three 100+ yard performances in his final games, showcasing his potential as an NFL prospect. Kiner’s draft stock benefits from his consistent production and minimal injury history.
NFL scouts particularly value his ability to gain yards after contact and maintain ball security. While not projected as a first-round selection, Kiner’s productivity and well-rounded skill set should make him an attractive mid-round option for teams seeking backfield depth.
Playing Style
Corey Kiner brings a distinctive blend of power and agility to Cincinnati’s backfield. His compact frame allows him to both break tackles and find small creases in defensive fronts, making him one of the most underrated backs in the Big 12.
Rushing Ability
At 5’9″ and 210 pounds, Kiner possesses the ideal build for a power back who can still change direction effectively. His tackle-breaking ability serves as his signature trait, forcing defenders to bring proper technique or risk being embarrassed.
The Cincinnati native excels between the tackles, keeping his legs churning through contact and maintaining excellent balance through traffic. His vision allows him to find cutback lanes that others might miss.
What separates Kiner is his patience behind blockers. He doesn’t rush decisions, instead setting up defenders before exploding through holes with his 4.57 speed. This combination makes him particularly effective in zone-blocking schemes.
| Rushing Stats | Yards | TDs | YPC | Broken Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Season | 1,047 | 10 | 5.1 | 42 |
| Career | 1,804 | 15 | 4.9 | 87 |
NFL scouts currently rank him as the #28 running back prospect for the 2025 draft class, with potential to rise with a strong senior season.
Receiving Skills
While Kiner’s rushing prowess drives his value, his receiving abilities remain a work in progress. He’s shown capable hands on check-downs and screen passes but hasn’t been featured extensively in Cincinnati’s passing attack.
His route tree remains limited primarily to flat routes and occasional wheel concepts. When he does catch the ball, Kiner demonstrates the same tackle-breaking ability that makes him dangerous as a runner.
Pass protection represents another area where Kiner continues to develop. His compact frame and low center of gravity help him anchor against blitzing linebackers, though his technique can still be refined.
As he enters his senior season, expanding his receiving repertoire could significantly boost his draft stock and make him a true three-down back at the next level rather than primarily an early-down specialist in a committee backfield.
Season Highlights
Corey Kiner emerged as a standout performer for Cincinnati during the 2024 season, showcasing his exceptional rushing abilities while helping the Bearcats navigate their Big 12 schedule.
Notable Games
Kiner’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of impressive, as he rushed for 1,153 yards on 204 carries, demonstrating his durability and consistency throughout the season. He added 4 rushing touchdowns to his stat line, proving to be a reliable offensive weapon.
His production represents his second consecutive 1,000+ yard season, building on his strong 2023 performance where he established himself as Cincinnati’s primary ball carrier.
Several games highlighted Kiner’s talents particularly well. His vision between tackles and burst to the second level made him difficult to contain for opposing defenses.
| Statistic | 2024 Season Total |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1,153 |
| Carries | 204 |
| Rushing TDs | 4 |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.65 |
Big 12 Conference Impact
In Cincinnati’s Big 12 competition, Kiner proved he could perform against top-tier talent. The former Ohio Mr. Football winner continued building on his impressive high school career where he ranked tenth in Ohio career rushing yards (7,130) and third in rushing touchdowns (116).
His consistency gave the Bearcats’ offense stability during conference play. Despite facing defensive schemes designed to contain him, Kiner frequently found ways to create positive yardage.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his production against Big 12 competition. His combination of vision, balance, and ability to gain yards after contact projects well to the next level.
Kiner’s draft stock continues to rise as he chases his NFL dreams, with many analysts projecting him as a mid-round selection who could contribute immediately in a running back rotation at the professional level.
Off The Field
Corey Kiner’s impact extends well beyond his rushing statistics and touchdown counts. The Cincinnati native has built a reputation for excellence in the classroom and meaningful contributions to his community.
Academic Achievements
Despite the demanding schedule of a Division I athlete, Kiner has maintained impressive academic credentials. The senior running back has consistently earned spots on the University of Cincinnati’s Dean’s List, demonstrating his commitment to balancing athletic and academic responsibilities.
Kiner majors in Sports Administration with a minor in Business. Throughout his collegiate career, he has maintained a GPA above 3.4. His academic focus reflects his understanding of the business side of sports—knowledge that should serve him well as he transitions to the professional level.
“The classroom is just another field of competition,” Kiner once remarked during a post-game interview. His professors routinely praise his engagement and analytical thinking skills.
Community Involvement
The former Ohio Mr. Football from Roger Bacon High School has remained deeply connected to his Cincinnati roots through consistent community service.
Kiner regularly visits his old neighborhood schools, speaking to students about the importance of education and perseverance. His annual youth football camp draws hundreds of local children and raises funds for educational programs in underserved Cincinnati neighborhoods.
During the off-season, Kiner volunteers at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. There, he spends time with young patients and brings Bearcats spirit to those facing health challenges.
When flooding affected parts of Cincinnati in 2023, Kiner organized several teammates to assist with cleanup efforts and resource distribution. His community involvement has earned him nominations for the Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes exemplary community service by college football players.
Media Coverage
Corey Kiner has attracted significant attention from sports media outlets as he transitions from his Cincinnati Bearcats career toward the 2025 NFL Draft. His local roots and on-field performance have made him a compelling story for both regional and national outlets.
Press Features
Kiner’s journey has been well-documented across multiple platforms. Cincinnati-based publications have emphasized his local legacy, highlighting his Cincinnati roots and impact on the Bearcats program.
The News Record featured him in a profile detailing his path from local high school standout to potential NFL draft pick.
National outlets have focused on his draft prospects. Yahoo Sports published a feature highlighting five key things to know about Kiner ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, including his connection to former Cincinnati Bengals players.
Draft analysis videos, such as the scouting report on YouTube, have examined whether Kiner can overcome perceived limitations at the next level. They also provide in-depth breakdowns of his running style and NFL potential.
Social Media Presence
Kiner maintains a modest but growing presence across social media platforms. His highlights regularly circulate among college football accounts, particularly featuring his dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and receiver.
ESPN’s player profile serves as a hub for stats and highlights that often get shared across platforms.
His receiving production—67 catches for 413 yards and two touchdowns in a single season—has been particularly emphasized in online discussions about his versatility.
Draft analysts frequently mention Kiner in their social content when discussing mid-round running back prospects. His combine media availability generated significant engagement, especially clips where he discussed his relationships with former Bengals players and his Cincinnati roots.
Future Prospects
Corey Kiner has positioned himself as an intriguing prospect for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bearcats standout brings a complete package of skills that NFL scouts are taking notice of.
At the NFL Combine, Kiner impressed with his physical testing. The 5-9, 209-pound running back displayed both speed and strength in front of league personnel.
Kiner’s draft stock currently sits with him ranked #28 among running backs with a rating of 78.0. His 4.57 forty time won’t wow scouts, but his game tape tells a different story.
NFL Draft Projection:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Position Rank | #28 RB |
| Overall Rank | #255 |
| Draft Round Projection | 6-7 or UDFA |
| Strengths | Tackle-breaking, burst, acceleration |
What makes Kiner appealing is his potential fit in the pro game. He profiles as a reliable early-down runner in a committee backfield, where his tackle-breaking ability could make him valuable.
His compact frame and running style are reminiscent of other successful backs with similar builds. Kiner runs hard and shows good balance, qualities that translate well to the next level.
The Cincinnati native has already created a legacy in his hometown. Now, he looks to extend his football journey to the professional ranks.
