Mettenberger May Be Headed To Cincinnati, But Is He Needed?

Zach Mettenberger is expected to visit Cincinnati and Louisville later this month and the Bearcats could be the front runner for his services.

Mettenberger, a former Georgia quarterback, was dismissed from the team last month by coach Mark Richt following charges of sexual battery. Mettenberger was accused of grabbing the breasts and touching the buttocks of a woman at a bar in Remerton, Ga. on March 7. On Monday he plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.

He has been sentenced to probation for two 12-month periods and has been ordered to pay $2,000 in fines along with performing 40 hours of community service. Mettenberger has also been banished from the city of Valdosta.

When Mettenberger arrived at the University of Georgia, Richt thought he had secured a star quarterback who could lead the Bulldogs back to the top of the SEC. Two years later, that thought will never be realized.

In the fall of 2009, Mettenberger came to the University of Georgia a heralded freshman who hoped to eventually become a star for the Bulldogs. After redshirting last season, Mettenberger, who was a four-star recruit according to rivals.com, was the front runner for the starting quarterback job. 

While he was one of the most highly recruited players in the state of Georgia as a senior, Mettenberger will once again begin his recruiting process over the next few months. This time in a much different capacity.

Whether or not he deserves a second chance is up for debate, but the fact is he is certain to receive one.

When he chooses a team, Mettenberger will have to sit out another season due to NCAA transfer rules. He will then have three years of eligibility remaining and a wealth of potential. 

For Cincinnati, signing Mettenberger would certainly help fill the void left when Zach Collaros departs after the 2011 season. Mettenberger will still have two years of eligibility remaining at that point and would more than likely be the front runner for the starting job. 

In the past, as a Bearcat fan, I would be all over signing this kid. But over the past couple of years, Cincinnati has proven they can get decent talent without the troubled past. 

Do they really need to take a flyer on a guy like Mettenberger when the talent at quarterback is as deep as ever? 

Behind Collaros is junior Chazz Anderson, who has seen considerable action in his first two seasons. The Bearcats also have two heralded freshman coming in this season in Munchie Legaux  and Cody Kater. Their lone signee in the Class of 2011 is quarterback Patrick Coyne. 

Does Cincinnati really need to pursue Mettenberger? Only time will tell. But for a program on the rise, taking a risk on this guy may be a step in the wrong direction.