James Early
James Early is a three-star recruit from Fort Wayne, IN, out of Fort Wayne North Side (No. 1,306 in the 2025 class) who has not played in Cincinnati's 8 games this season.
Where Early comes from
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Fort Wayne North Side
- About 150 miles from Nippert Stadium
- Three-star, No. 1,306 in the 2025 class.
- On the Cincinnati roster since 2025
Where Early fits
Cincinnati lists 21 defensive linemen this season.
Cincinnati defensive linemen with a game this season
Cincinnati is 5-3. Next: at Houston, Sat Nov 7.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Fort Wayne North Side
Also from Fort Wayne, IN
Where to follow
Splits
Home and road splits, scheme and staff
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Scott Satterfield
Pass share
42.4%
221 pass / 300 run
Plays / game
65.1
8 games
Team sack rate
6.5%
247 dropbacks · PBP
Scheme: Run-leaning.
Awards
A three-star recruit at defensive lineman for Cincinnati -- now projected as a quality contributor on the defensive line.
No college stat recorded yet. Here's what we know.
Grades highest in hit power and pursuit.
Cincinnati has produced 7 All-Conference defensive linemen. 4 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2019. Jowon Briggs went on to the NFL out of this room (2024).
Two seasons at Cincinnati
- 2026 Cincinnati SatterfieldYear 2 · Games –
- 2025 Cincinnati SatterfieldYear 1 · Games –
- High school Fort Wayne North SideFort Wayne, IN · Class of 2025Three-star, No. 1,306 in the 2025 class. Signed with Cincinnati.Also from Fort Wayne North Side: Tae Johnson (Notre Dame) and Sebastian Moore (Ball State).
2025
- Signed with CincinnatiThree-star, out of Fort Wayne North Side