For the Knights, speed is name of the game.
While evaluating how things are shaping up in UCF head coach Scott
Frost’s first full-fledged recruiting class, there is definitely one thing for sure: UCFast is not just a slogan.
Frost told us all when he was introduced as the Knights’ new head coach that he was ramping up everything and speed was going to be the name of the game during his regime. It wasn’t just a rah-rah speech.
It’s all about speed with the Knights, and the 2017 UCF recruiting class has certainly lived up to those expectations.
There are 99 days left before National Signing Day, which is on Feb. 1, and the Knights are sitting in a pretty good position with their current list of commitments. A pledge last week from dual-threat quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. (6-foot-3, 205), of Norfolk, Va., puts UCF at 18 players committed to its 2017 class. The Knights are expected to take a full load of scholarship signatures (25).
UCF’s class ranks fourth among the state’s Football Bowl Subdivision programs and is currently No. 48 in the country, according to 247Sports.com. FSU is at No. 8, followed by Miami (12) and Florida (14). USF is right behind the Knights at No. 54.
UCF’s coaching staff has done well across the board, addressing needs at all positions. The Knights put an emphasis on offense and speed, especially at the skill spots with players like Mack, receiver Manny
Green (5-10, 171) of Bradenton IMG Academy and running back Otis Anderson (5-8, 168) of Jacksonville University Christian.
Mack is one of three quarterbacks in the class and the one player who could certainly help the Knights at other positions should he not pan out at QB. Mack would fit right in at receiver or could even play cornerback if the Knights choose to go that route, but his versatility will be key for UCF no matter what position he plays.
With the addition of Mack to the class, Frost has shown he has no problem sending a message to incoming recruits that a scholarship doesn’t guarantee anything and players will have to battle to get on the field.
Depth at any position should make for better competition within the squad and make the Knights stronger up and down the lineup. He’ll compete with
Marvin Washington (6-2, 195) of Orlando Dr. Phillips and Noah Vedral (6-2, 184) of Wahoo, Neb., the Knights’ other two quarterback commitments.
UCF’s roster currently features seven quarterbacks, of which only two — Justin
Holman and Nick Patti — are seniors.
The emphasis on speed doesn’t stop with offensive skill players, and the defensive recruits are a strong testament to that commitment. Cornerback Rennard
Bozeman (5-10, 193) of Fort Lauderdale Boyd Anderson and safety Tariq Carpenter (6-2, 191) of Lincolnton, Ga., will fit the need for speed just fine.
But the Knights will need to add more defensive backs to this class, with several seniors being counted on this season. Twins
Shaquem Griffin and Shaquill Griffin, Drico Johnson, D.J. Killings, T.J. Mutcherson and Jeremy Boykins all are leaving. Redshirt Bam Moore is expected to step in and compete at corner next season and high-profile recruits like Rashard
Causey or Kyle Gibson will need to step up, but the Knights need at least another corner and another safety.
An area of critical need for UCF in this recruiting class is at linebacker, with three senior starters departing in Demeitre Brim, Mark Rucker and Errol Clarke. “Back-up” linebackers Chequan Burkett, Pat Jasinski and Titus Davis could seamlessly fill in for the starters, but UCF will have to replenish. So far
Kalia Davis (6-2, 235) of Pensacola and T.J. Pitts (6-1, 235) of Williston are the lone commits, so the Knights could use at least one more linebacker, which they had until D.J. Artis of Sanford Seminole flipped to FSU.
UCF has put a strong emphasis on the defensive line, with four quality ends in Antwan Owens (6-3, 286) of Tallahassee Godby, Christopher Whittaker (6-4, 246) of Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna,
Justin Harris (6-6, 250) of Gonzales, La., and Mason
Cholewa (6-6, 255) of Mckees Rocks, Pa., in the fold. Cholewa could end up with his hand in the dirt, but UCF is obviously addressing the needs of its new 3-4 defensive scheme and doing it with athleticism.
The Knights are also looking for one more flashy receiver, and with an abundance of slot-type players the Knights would love to land another speedy player with some length like commit Gabe Davis (6-3, 205) of Sanford Seminole.
Speaking of speedy slot types, don’t be surprised — if UCF has a scholarship spot left over — to see Sanford Seminole teammate D.J.
Hampton (5-9, 178) in this class. He’s having an incredible season and the Knights’ staff loves him. They just need scholarship room.
UCF has done well so far this season, but the Knights’ staff would feel more comfortable with a few other needs addressed. At this point we’ll give them a B+, but this class is a player or two away from an A grade.