2025 Cincinnati Football Target Julien Horton Dives Deep Into Bearcats Offer

Horton dissects his past conversations with Cincinnati along with his vision for the Bearcats.

TUNNEL HILL — Cincinnati is pursuing 2025 athlete Julien Horton from Bel Air High School (Maryland).

The 6-foot, 175-pound safety is currently unranked on any major services but holds other offers from schools like Duke, West Virginia, Maryland, Indiana and Georgia Tech.

He recently took the time to recap his Cincinnati offer with All Bearcats.

“Getting the offer from Cincinnati was a huge moment for me," Horton said. "I've been talking with them for a while, and I know they don't just pick anyone. They really dig deep, checking out how you play and how hard you work. So, when they offered me a spot, it felt like all my effort was worth it. I've spent countless hours training, studying plays, and just pushing myself to be better. This offer was like them saying, 'We see you, we see all that hard work, and we want you on our team.' It's more than just football for me; it's about constantly getting better, knowing the game inside out, and always being one step ahead. My speed and quick thinking on the field are things I've worked super hard on. Knowing that Cincinnati noticed that and thought, 'Yeah, this is the guy we want,' feels amazing. It's proof that when you're really into something, work hard, and keep pushing yourself, good things happen."

Offensive coordinator Brad Glenn offered him and Horton had many good things to say about that relationship.

“Talking to Coach Brad Glenn was really something," Horton said. "He didn't just call; he actually came to my school and gave me the offer right there in front of my family. That meant a lot to me and showed that Cincinnati cares about more than just how you play. They care about who you are and where you come from. Coach Glenn and I talked about more than just football. We talked about working hard, being committed, and always aiming to be better. He understands how I play—how I can quickly figure out what's happening on the field and make smart moves fast. We talked about how I'm flexible when playing different positions, which is something I've really worked on. Being able to adapt, to read the game, and to always be where I need to be is something I take pride in. This chat with coach Glenn made me feel like Cincinnati isn't just about putting a team together; it's about building a team of strong, smart, and versatile players.”

He also dove into the full pitch from the UC staff.

“The staff at Cincinnati made their vision super clear when I visited," Horton said. "Coach Satterfield talked about building a team that's not just about skills on the field but also about being good people off the field. That's something I really connect with. It's not just about the game; it's about who you are as a person, too. Coach Glenn recognized my strengths: how I can predict what's going to happen next in the game, my speed, and how I can fit into different roles depending on what the team needs. They're all about helping me use my skills in the best way possible. It's not just about playing football; it's about being part of a team that values hard work, dedication, and constantly trying to be better. That's what makes Cincinnati's approach different—they're focused on growth, development, and creating a family-like team that pushes everyone to do their best.”

The playmaker had a few reasons why Cincinnati stands out compared to other schools.

“What makes Cincinnati stand out is their commitment to helping players become the best they can be," Horton said. "They're not just focused on winning games; they're focused on each player's growth and development, especially in the positions I play. This focus on individual growth is exactly what I'm looking for. Cincinnati is like a family where everyone pushes each other to be better and to aim higher. They've shown they're one of the top teams by getting to big games like the College Football Playoff. That's the kind of team I want to be part of—a team that's always moving forward and getting better. They understand the importance of speed and being able to react quickly on the field. But it's more than that—it's about understanding the game, being smart, and using your skills in the best way possible. That's what makes Cincinnati special to me—it's a place where hard work, dedication, and the drive to excel are at the heart of everything they do.

“I feel like I can really make a difference. Offensively, I'm the kind of player who can take any situation and turn it into an opportunity. I'm good in open space, making moves, and getting past the other team. Defensively, I'm all about getting to the ball fast, closing in on the other team, and making sure they don't get far. I've worked hard on understanding the game, knowing where I need to be, and getting there as fast as I can. My speed helps a lot, but it's also about being smart, reading the play, and being in the right spot at the right time. I'm the kind of player who doesn't just wait for things to happen; I make them happen. Whether it's grabbing that ball, breaking through a line, or stopping the other team in their tracks, I feel like I've got what it takes to make a real impact in Cincinnati's system.”

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