Gus Malzahn’s resolution to resign instantly after the season finale kicked off a switch portal window that opened on Dec. 9, so UCF anticipated loads of exercise. The Knights ended a 4-8 marketing campaign, their second consecutive dropping season during which they missed the postseason for the primary time since 2015-16.
SIGNED
LB Keli Lawson
Vitals: 6-6, 220 kilos
Resume: Lawson performed at Sherando Excessive College as a three-year starter. He was Virginia’s No. 10 total participant earlier than signing at Virginia Tech as a part of its 2021 recruiting class.
Function: He appeared in 25 video games over 4 seasons for the Hokies, totaling 104 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 9 passes defended.
Outlook: Lawson might step right into a beginning function for the Knights, who have been trying to substitute starters Ethan Barr and Deshawn Tempo.
S Phillip Dunnam
Vitals: 6-1, 190 kilos
Resume: He performed at North Miami Seashore Senior Excessive College, the place he was a 4-star security, ranked because the No. 37 security within the nation in keeping with 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Function: Dunnam appeared in 24 video games (7 begins) at Indiana, registering 56 tackles with 3 interceptions. He transferred to FAU in 2024, the place he appeared in 11 video games, totaling 56 tackles with 3 interceptions and 4 go breakups.
Outlook: Dunnam is the third security the Knights have added by the portal, giving the group loads of depth heading into 2025.
TE Dylan Wade
Vitals: 6-4, 240 kilos
Resume: Wade is returning dwelling to Orlando, the place he performed at Jones Excessive College earlier than signing with Maryland as a part of its 2023 recruiting class.
Function: As a sophomore, Wade completed third on the group in receiving yards (374), receiving touchdowns (2) and fifth in receptions (29) and targets (43). He was used primarily within the tight finish and slot receiver spots on offense whereas additionally blocking on 116 snaps.
Outlook: Tight finish is one other want for the Knights, so including a expertise like Wade ought to pay large dividends.
LB Phil Picciotti
Vitals: 6-3, 245 kilos
Resume: Rated by 247Sports because the No. 124 participant in Pennsylvania, who transferred to IMG Academy for his senior 12 months and helped the group to an 8-1 season with 63 tackles.
Function: Picciotti spent two seasons at Oklahoma however didn’t see motion resulting from an harm.
Outlook: He brings loads of upside to a unit that must substitute starters Ethan Barr and Deshawn Tempo.
OL Justin Royes
Very important: 6-5, 310 kilos
Resume: Royes performed a number of sports activities at Lakeland Excessive College in Suffolk, Va., earlier than signing with Virginia Union College, a Division II HBCU based mostly out of Richmond.
Function: The sophomore performed each soccer and monitor and discipline for the Panthers. He was one of many highest-graded go blockers on the group, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus.
Outlook: Royes is one other large physique for the Knights to place up entrance on the offensive line.
OL Jakiah Leftwich
Vitals: 6-6, 310 kilos
Resume: Leftwich was the No. 84-ranked offensive sort out within the nation and the No. 69-ranked participant in Georgia whereas at Westlake Excessive College. He signed with Georgia Tech as a part of the 2021 recruiting class and redshirted his freshman 12 months. Over the following two seasons, Leftwich appeared in 17 video games (8 begins) with the Yellow Jackets, permitting 3 sacks in 652 offensive snaps.
Function: Leftwich transferred to North Carolina final season, showing in 9 video games whereas splitting time at left and proper sort out spots.
Outlook: UCF wants somebody to bookend off proper sort out Paul Rubelt, making Leftwich’s signing essential as they transfer into subsequent season.
OL Preston Cushman
Vitals: 6-5, 305 kilos
Resume: Cushman was a four-year starter at Calvary Christian Excessive College, incomes the 3A Dairy Farmers State Participant of the 12 months in 2021 by the Florida Athletic Coaches Affiliation.
Function: Spent three seasons at Ole Miss, first at guard earlier than transferring over to proper sort out in 2024, collaborating in 93 offensive snaps in his profession.
Outlook: Cushman has a number of years of eligibility remaining, making him an enormous pickup as Frost and his employees proceed to rebuild the offensive line.
QB Cam Fancher
Vitals: 6-2, 200 kilos
Resume: Fancher was a 3-star product of Wayne Excessive College in Huber Heights, Ohio, who initially signed with Marshall as a part of its 2021 recruiting class. He spent three seasons with the Thundering Herd, getting into the beginning function halfway by the 2022 season. After beginning 10 video games in 2023, Fancher transferred to FAU.
Function: The left-hander was named one in every of 4 captains for the Owls final season, beginning the primary 9 video games earlier than struggling a damaged clavicle that ended his season. In 34 profession video games, Fancher has accomplished 60.6% of his passes for five,294 yards with 27 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He’s additionally rushed for 1,122 yards with 8 touchdowns.
Overview: Fancher gives some much-needed depth for the Knights, who solely have two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.
WR Ric’Daroius Farmer
Vitals: 5-11, 165 kilos
Resume: Farmer was a 4-star wideout and cornerback from Melbourne Central Catholic who was the No. 43 receiver within the nation and the No. thirty fourth total participant within the state when he signed with West Virginia as a part of the Mountaineers’ 2024 recruiting class.
Function: He had six catches for 54 yards in 11 video games this previous season, primarily within the slot receiver spot.
Outlook: Farmer gives the Knights with a reliable velocity risk on the slot and a number of years of eligibility left, which might assist in the long run.
S DJ Bell
Vitals: 6-2, 180 kilos
Resume: Bell was a 3-star prospect out of Pensacola Excessive College, ranked because the No. 160 security within the nation in keeping with 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Function: He appeared in 22 video games over the previous two seasons for Memphis, incomes 5 begins this season whereas totaling 36 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 10 passes defended.
Outlook: Bell turns into the second security, together with Brandon Jacob, to affix the Knights by the switch market. His expertise and multi-years of eligibility make him a pretty choice when rebuilding the secondary.
CB Isaiah Reed
Vitals: 6-5, 185 kilos
Resume: The Tampa native signed to play at Brown College out of Seffner Christian Academy, the place he appeared in 47 video games, totaling 211 tackles with 10 tackles for loss with 5 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries.
Function: Reed spent 4 seasons with the Brown Bears, showing in 34 video games and registering 148 tackles with 9 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks and seven interceptions. He was a First Staff All-Ivy League choice in 2023 and was named group captain in 2023, however suffered a season-ending harm after 4 video games.
Overview: Reed turns into the fifth switch to UCF’s roster this month and the second defensive again. He gives much-needed expertise to a secondary that misplaced nearly all of its starters from final season.
OG Gaard Memmelaar
Vitals: 6-4, 315 kilos
Resume: Memmelaar was a 3-star from Middleton, Idaho, signed with Washington in 2020.
Function: The junior appeared in 12 video games this season, beginning all however one recreation whereas taking 520 snaps at left guard for the Huskies. In line with Professional Soccer Focus, he didn’t enable a sack regardless of 9 quarterback pressures and was graded because the Thirty ninth-best guard within the Huge Ten.
Overview: Memmelaar is an enormous addition, notably with the Knights needing to interchange many of the offensive line. His expertise within the Huge Ten ought to be an enormous assist for the group transferring into 12 months 3 of the Huge 12.
DT RJ Jackson
Vitals: 6-3, 282 kilos
Resume: Jackson performed tight finish and defensive finish at Oklahoma’s Choctaw Excessive College, ending his profession because the Class 6A-II District II Defensive Lineman of the 12 months. He signed with Tulsa’s 2023 recruiting class.
Function: He appeared in 22 video games for the Golden Hurricane, totaling 39 tackles with 4 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Outlook: The Knights desperately want depth on the defensive entrance, notably at sort out, with the departure of starters Lee Hunter and Ricky Barber. In line with Professional Soccer Focus, Jackson was the top-graded defensive sort out at Tulsa and the 18th total sort out within the American Athletic Convention final season.
DT @RJJackson1501 is Formally a Knight ⚔️🔥 pic.twitter.com/gUz2tFyyJN
— UCF Soccer (@UCF_Football) December 18, 2024
S Brandon Jacob
Vitals: 6-1, 170 kilos
Resume: Jacob was a 4-star from Orlando Evans who accounted for 95 tackles, 4 interceptions and seven passes defended throughout his junior and senior seasons. He signed with Maryland’s 2024 recruiting class.
Function: He appeared in seven video games, totaling 9 tackles earlier than leaping within the switch portal on Dec. 9.
Outlook: The Knights will want some assist in the secondary with the departure of safeties William Wells, Bryon Threats, and Quadric Bullard.
HOMETOWN HERO!!!! #GKCO #IMHOME pic.twitter.com/qIQtVIhDcn
— Brandon Jacob (@Thereallkingbj_) December 16, 2024
LEAVING
LB Xe’Ree Alexander
Vitals: 6-2, 223 kilos
Resume: In 13 appearances with Idaho, he totaled 75 tackles, together with 29 solo. That features 4 tackles for loss in 2023.
Function: Alexander appeared in 12 video games (seven begins) this season for the Knights, totaling 68 tackles with 6 tackles for loss and a couple of passes defended.
Outlook: The sophomore was anticipated to tackle a extra important function on the group subsequent season, notably with the departures of starters Ethan Barr and Deshawn Tempo.
DT Lee Hunter
Vitals: 6-4, 320 kilos
Resume: Hunter got here from Cell (Ala.) Blount Excessive College, the place he registered 54 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2020 earlier than signing with Auburn’s 2021 recruiting class. After failing to see any motion, he transferred to UCF in 2022.
Function: Hunter was a two-year starter for the Knights, totaling 131 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in 38 video games.
Outlook: UCF has misplaced eight defensive starters by the portal or commencement.
OL Adrian Medley
Vitals: 6-5, 305 kilos
Resume: Medley was an all-area choice at Pensacola Excessive College, the place he was the No. 96 offensive sort out within the nation and the No. 141 total participant within the state. He signed with UCF’s 2019 recruiting class.
Function: He appeared in 26 profession video games with the Knights and was a full-time starter in 2024, collaborating in 815 offensive snaps.
Outlook: Medley’s departure, coupled with that of Marcellus Marshall, Caden Kitler and Amari Kight, leaves UCF with out most of its beginning offensive line.
QB Riley Trujillo
Vitals: 6-3, 219 kilos
Resume: The Bartram Path quarterback was a 3-star who ranked because the No. 96 prospect in Florida and the No. 40 total quarterback within the nation for the 2024 recruiting class, in keeping with the 247Sports Composite rankings that mix rankings listed by main recruiting providers.
Function: Trujillo by no means took the sphere regardless of being an early enrollee in January. He redshirted this season because the fifth-string quarterback.
Outlook: Trujillo’s departure leaves UCF with simply two scholarship quarterbacks: Jacurri Brown and Dylan Rizk.
TE Randy Pittman
Vitals: 6-2, 225 kilos
Resume: Pittman was the No. 28 tight finish within the nation and the No. 99 total recruit within the state out of Mosley Excessive College in 2023. He had dedicated to Florida State earlier than signing with the Knights.
Function: He appeared in 25 video games for the Knights, together with 11 begins previously two seasons, totaling 631 yards on 51 receptions with 3 touchdowns. The Florida native break up time at tight finish, wideout and slot whereas additionally turning into one of many higher blockers on the group.
Outlook: Pittman’s departure is a blow for the Knights due to his expertise and flexibility. The excellent news is the roster nonetheless options Kylan Fox and true freshman Caden Piening.
OL Johnathan Cline
Vitals: 6-4, 315 kilos
Resume: The Cartersville (Ga.) offensive lineman who joined this system is a part of the 2023 recruiting class and was the No. 65 prospect for his place nationally and the No. 91 total recruit in Georgia for the ’23 class.
Function: Cline didn’t see the sphere a lot in two seasons with the Knights.
Outlook: The offensive line group was already skinny with the departures of starters Marcellus Marshall, Amari Kight, Adrian Medley and Paul Rubelt so depth was going to be a priority heading into the switch window.
P Mitch McCarthy
Vitals: 6-5, 230 kilos
Resume: McCarthy joined the Knights after working with ProKick Australia in 2021, following a profitable profession in Australian Guidelines Soccer.
Function: McCarthy break up punting duties with Andrew Osteen in 2022, averaging 43 yards with 39 punts. In 2023, he averaged 41.25 yards on 36 punts for the Knights. This previous season, he hit a career-high 44.13 yards per kick on 40 punts.
Outlook: Anytime you lose a two-year starter, it’s robust, particularly when you think about McCarthy’s profession common of 43 yards per kick was the second-best in class historical past behind Matt Prater’s 47.6.
OL Keyon Cox
Vitals: 6-5, 300 kilos
Resume: Cox helped his Central (Ala.) Excessive College group rush for two,593 yards and 32 touchdowns because the Pink Devils went 10-3, reaching the Alabama 7A state semifinals in 2023. He signed with the Knights that very same 12 months.
Function: The redshirt freshman appeared in two video games for the Knights, primarily at left sort out.
Outlook: Cox joins a rising listing of offensive linemen leaving this system following the departure of Malzahn and offensive line coach Herb Hand.
LS Jack Bernstein
Vitals: 6-0, 235 kilos
Resume: Bernstein earned the long-snapper job at Georgia State after becoming a member of this system as a walk-on in 2022. He appeared in 9 video games for the Panthers after Seth Glausier’s season-ending harm. The Georgia native redshirted final season and entered the switch portal on April 5 earlier than committing to UCF nearly three weeks later.
Function: He didn’t see any motion as the first backup to Gage King.
Outlook: It was assumed that Bernstein would step within the beginning function for the departing King, however his exit leaves the Knights with no lengthy snapper.
OL Marcellus Marshall
Vitals: 6-5, 310 kilos
Resume: Marshall performed on the offensive and defensive strains at Morgantown (W.Va.) Excessive College earlier than signing with Kent State. He performed two seasons with the Golden Flashes earlier than transferring to UCF.
Function: The redshirt senior appeared in 25 video games for the Knights. As a two-year starter, he was part of 1,571 offensive snaps, exhibiting his versatility by taking part in all 5 offensive line spots.
Outlook: Marshall would have been the anchor to an offensive line that may have undergone large offseason modifications.
DL Matthew Alexander
Vitals: 6-3, 280 kilos
Resume: Alexander belonged to UCF’s 2021 recruiting class after taking part in at Buford (Ga.) Excessive College.
Function: The redshirt junior appeared in 39 video games (5 begins) for the Knights, totaling 60 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, a sack and a go defended. He completed eighth on the group in tackles (35) this season, serving primarily in a second-team function on the defensive entrance.
Outlook: Alexander was anticipated to imagine a bigger function in 2025.
WR Tyree Patterson
Vitals: 6-2, 186 kilos
Resume: Patterson performed at Eustis Excessive College, the place he completed with 49 receptions for 499 yards and 5 touchdowns in six video games his senior 12 months. He was a part of UCF’s 2023 recruiting class.
Function: As a real freshman, he appeared in three video games. He redshirted this previous season and completed his time in Orlando with no catch.
Outlook: Patterson was anticipated to be a part of the youth motion on the receiver place.
OL Caden Kitler
Vitals: 6-3, 295 kilos
Resume: Kitler was a standout lineman who performed on either side of the soccer at John Paul II Excessive College in Plano, Texas.
Function: The redshirt sophomore appeared in 18 video games (14 begins) throughout his UCF profession, beginning 11 of the 12 video games this season. In line with Professional Soccer Focus, he was the highest-graded go blocker among the many starters this season, incomes a 79.9 grade in additional than 700 offensive snaps.
Outlook: Kitler’s departure begins what shall be an entire overhaul of the offensive line.
DB Chasen Johnson
Vitals: 6-1, 180 kilos
Resume: Johnson performed at Seminole Excessive College, the place he helped the group to a 10-3 document and a spot within the 2023 Florida 3M playoffs regional finals.
Function: The true freshman appeared in all 12 video games (3 begins), incomes an opportunity at a beginning function halfway by the season. He completed with 18 tackles, 2 go breakups and a blocked kick.
Outlook: This one hurts as a result of Johnson was thought of a “Hometown Hero” after signing with the Knights final 12 months. He had great potential, sufficient in order that the coaches had him working with the first-teamers early in fall camp.
TE Reece Adkins
Vitals: 6-6, 250 kilos
Resume: Adkins was a 3-star product from Lake Mary who enrolled in Jap Kentucky in 2020.
Function: He appeared in 23 video games for the Colonels, catching 9 passes for 55 yards whereas spending time on particular groups. Adkins arrived as an offseason switch however didn’t see the sphere this season.
Outlook: The redshirt senior has one season of eligibility left.
QB EJ Colson
Vitals: 6-foot-1, 200 kilos
Resume: A 4-star quarterback from Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove Excessive College, Colson was reclassified after his junior season, permitting him to signal as a part of the 2024 recruiting class relatively than 2025. He led Cedar Grove to a few straight state title appearances, profitable the 3A state crown in ’23.
Function: Colson was an early enrollee who began the season as one of many backups to KJ Jefferson and Jacurri Brown. He turned the primary true freshman to begin for the Knights since Mikey Keene (2021) when he took the sphere towards Cincinnati on Oct. 12. That employees determined to redshirt Colson, limiting him to a few appearances, together with within the closing minutes of the season finale towards Utah.
Outlook: Colson’s surprising switch announcement got here lower than an hour after the Knights’ 28-14 loss to the Utes on Black Friday. It was a recreation during which he was 8 of 12 for 70 yards with a landing and an interception. His departure leaves UCF with three quarterbacks: redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk, true freshman Riley Trujillo and Brown.
DB Bryon Threats
Vitals: 5-10, 195 kilos
Resume: Threats was a 3-star product out of Dublin (Ohio) Coffman Excessive College earlier than signing with the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Function: The protection performed 4 video games with the Knights after arriving in December following three seasons at Cincinnati, the place he helped the group attain the School Soccer Playoff in 2021.
Outlook: Threats’ function was seen primarily as a backup within the secondary. He had 7 tackles with 1 sort out for loss.
WR Xavier Townsend
Vitals: 5-11, 185 kilos
Resume: The 4-star receiver had performed at Tampa’s Berkeley Prep.
Function: Townsend has been the Knights’ beginning slot receiver since arriving within the 2022 recruiting class. He’s appeared in 29 video games (14 begins) over the past three seasons, together with each recreation this 12 months, and completed with 66 catches with 521 yards and 4 touchdowns in his profession, together with 10 catches for 69 yards and a rating in 2024.
Outlook: Townsend’s departure had a double affect on the Knights, who missed his skills as a receiver and because the group’s main kick returner on particular groups.
Ok Colton Boomer
Vitals: 5-10, 175 kilos
Resume: Boomer joined this system as a walk-on after beginning at Lake Mary Excessive College.
Function: He appeared in 29 video games at UCF, connecting on 30 of 42 discipline objectives (71.4%) and 109 of 113 further factors (96.5%). This season, Boomer was 3 for six on discipline objectives however missed his closing three kicks — two have been blocked in the course of the Knights’ 35-34 win at TCU on Sept. 14.
Outlook: Boomer’s departure opened the door for redshirt freshman Grant Reddick, who linked on 67% (6 of 9) discipline aim makes an attempt and was 25 of 25 on further factors.
DL Kaven Name
Vitals: 6-3, 240 kilos
Resume: Name was a 3-star prospect out of Apopka Excessive College who signed with the Knights as a part of their 2023 recruiting class. He helped the Blue Darters win three state titles in 4 appearances throughout his highschool profession.
Function: Name registered 2 tackles in three video games this season, primarily as a backup to Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence. He appeared in 16 video games at UCF, totally on particular groups.
Outlook: His departure from this system was controversial. He posted a letter on social media claiming he was kicked off the group after requesting a redshirt. Malzahn denied that accusation, stating he’s solely eliminated one participant from the group resulting from off-the-field points.
Matt Murschel may be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com
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