Cincinnati's Ralph David Abernathy IV carries a big name along with football

Before he arrived in Cincinnati last year, Ralph David Abernathy IV was known primarily for having one of the most famous names in Georgia.

But now as the Bearcats' multiple-purpose back, things are changing. Fewer and fewer are calling him simply the grandson of a civil-rights leader and the son a former senator.

"Most people my age don't really say anything about my name," said Abernathy, whose team faces Temple on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field. "But when I'm talking to older people they'll say Ralph Abernathy's name all the time."

His grandfather was Ralph David Abernathy, a prominent leader in the civil rights movement and one of Martin Luther King's right-hand men. His father is Ralph David Abernathy III, a former Georgia state senator and minister known for his community service and his battles for the underprivileged.

"Of course I want to give back to people and be a person of the people like my father is and how my grandfather was," Abernathy said. "But I always wanted to have my own name and not just carry the Abernathy name by just being another Abernathy. I always wanted to kind of distinguish myself."

Football has enabled him to do so.

The 5-foot-7, 161-pound sophomore is one of the nation's top kick returners for Cincinnati (6-2, 2-1 Big East).

Entering this week's games, Abernathy ranked second in the Big East and 20th nationally on kickoff returns with an average of 27.05 yards. He's ranked third in the conference and 25th nationally in all-purpose yards at 142.50 yards per game.

As a tailback, Abernathy has rushed for 301 yards and three touchdowns playing behind George Winn, the Big East's leading rusher. Abernathy also has 19 receptions for 244 yards and three TDs.

Abernathy carries a 3.0 grade point average as a business and finance major said that playing football will help him get out his message.

"I feel like when you go into inner cities and you go out to see kids in those communities, they don't look to doctors and people like that," Abernathy said. "They look to people they identify with: athletes. So I feel like if I become an athlete, I can become a role model for kids. And that would be my way of giving back."

Saturday at noon, Lincoln Financial Field

Records: Cincinnati, 6-2, 2-1 Big East; Temple, 3-5, 2-3.

TV/Radio: WPVI-DT2; WPHT-AM (1210).

Coaches: Cincinnati, Butch Jones (third season, 20-13); Temple, Steve Addazio (second season, 12-9).

Series: Temple leads, 9-4-1, but Cincinnati won the last meeting, 30-24, in triple overtime in 2003.

Betting line: Cincinnati by 9.

Three things to watch

Keep a close eye on Temple's Kyle Friend. The freshman will get his second start at center in place of Sean Boyle (left shoulder). Last week, Friend had an errant snap that sailed over quarterback Chris Coyer's head. Other than that, he had a solid performance. His play will be vital against the Bearcats.

Will Kevin Newsome play? The Temple reserve quarterback had a 42-yard run last week in his first action of the season. Newsome took snaps with the first-string offense in practice this week. It would be interesting to see what he can do against the Bearcats.

Can the Owls defense snap out of its funk? Temple has allowed 12 touchdown passes, 891 passing yards, 1,407 yards, 127 points, and 66 first downs in three consecutive blowout losses.

Three things you might not know

Temple's Montel Harris is the Football Bowl Subdivision's career active leader in 100-yard rushing performances with 25. The Boston College transfer recorded 23 of those efforts at BC.

Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce is the younger brother of Eagles center Jason Kelce. Jason also played at Cincinnati, as did Eagles teammates Trent Cole, Brent Selek, and Mardy Gilyard.

The Owls are tied with Air Force for the second-most first-year starters (21) in in the country this season. Hawaii has the most (28). - Keith Pompey

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