Miami (OH) linebacker transfers to Cincinnati to play with his brother
Miami (OH) linebacker transfer Ivan Pace has committed to Cincinnati, he posted Monday via Twitter. His brother, Deshawn Pace, is also a linebacker with the Bearcats.
Ivan Pace Jr. entered college one year before his brother in 2019, signing with the Redhawks. In three seasons, he accumulated 171 tackles (21 for loss) and 11 sacks. He was ranked as the No. 21 overall transfer player by The Athletic and chose Cincinnati over LSU, Arkansas, Miami (FL) and Missouri.
He helped Miami (OH) to a 6-6 finish this season, earning a trip to the first-ever Frisco Football Classic. The Redhawks ended the year with a 27-14 victory against North Texas in that one.
Deshawn Pace was a key member of the Bearcats defense this year, finishing fourth on the team in tackles (95). He also led the team in interceptions with four. Cincinnati ended the season 10th in the country in total defense and second in passing defense.
The Bearcats are coming off of perhaps their most successful season in school history. Not only did they finished the regular season undefeated, but they also won the AAC championship and earned a trip to the College Football Playoff. Ultimately, they fell short against Alabama by score of 27-6.
The Bearcats are set to lose several key players in 2022, including cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and running back Jerome Ford. However, head coach Luke Fickell has built a reputation for finding a way to win each season. In five years with Cincinnati, he has four seasons with nine or more wins.
Pace will hope he can make an impact right away for the Bearcats next year. Cincinnati could count on the linebacker transfer right away with several of its top players moving on to pro careers.
He will get his first chance to shine on Sept. 3 when the Bearcats open the year against the Arkansas Razorbacks.