Killins and Anderson bond thanks to speed
Otis Anderson watched as Adrian Killins hit his stride.
It’s a familiar form that Anderson had seen time and time again, first as rivals and now as teammates at UCF. Killins picked up speed and before long, he was ahead of a pack of defenders on his way to a 96-yard touchdown run against Memphis Saturday. As he crossed the goal line, Killins reacted as if breaking the tape at an imaginary track meet.
“I wanted to run on the field with him,” Anderson said with a smile. “I’ve known him since I was about 10, so seeing him break one, it felt like I scored.”
Killins, who’s known Anderson since 2008, has enjoyed having his friend around.
“It’s pretty ironic that he’s here,” Killins said. “We’ve been running against each other in track all of our lives and now we’re playing football with each other on the same team.”
It’s a friendship speed.
Growing up here in Florida, Anderson and Killins would warm up together before meets and sometimes they would even trade tips at the starting line before races.
UCF coach Scott Frost raves about Killins’ breakaway speed. The three-sport star at Mainland High eventually became the first player to commit to Frost’s first recruiting class in 2016.
“A.K. is a perfect fit for our offense and I think our offense is a perfect fit for him,” Frost said of Killins. “We’re going to keep getting him the ball and find creative ways to get him the ball. Some of them are going to work and some of them are not but the ones that works are going to be big plays because of his talent and his speed.” built on
As a freshman, Killins burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion.
His versatility was on display throughout the season as UCF used him at a variety of positions, including tailback, receiver and return specialist.
His 87-yard touchdown run against Michigan during the second game last season tied a school record for the longest play from scrimmage. It’s a record that lasted all of 14 games before being shattered Saturday against Memphis.
Killins added a 100-yard kickoff return last season, cementing his status as a playmaker.
Anderson, meanwhile, joined Killins this season as part of UCF’s 2017 recruiting class after leading University Christian High to back-toback Class 2A state championships in 2015 and 2016.
Anderson’s skillset is similar to Killins, according to Frost.
“We’re playing him basically at three different spots right now and he’s come in and learned all of those. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands, too. A little bit like A.K.,” Frost said of Anderson. “He’s a really good route runner. He’s got really good hands. He just gives us one more weapon and I’ve been thrilled with his progress so far.”
Anderson has been involved in a dozen or so plays so far this season, amassing 129 yards as a rusher and receiver. His longest play this season was a 44-yard run against Maryland and he’s still seeking his first collegiate touchdown.
Killins said it’s great to have speedy Anderson by his side.
“We’re high-caliber guys that can play in this offense. We play kick return, punt return, slot and getting into the running back [rotation], so it’s always a mismatch when we’re both in the games,” Killins said of Anderson. “He’s a great guy and he’s going to do some big things in this offense.”
Killins said the pair couldn’t be closer as friends, sharing time together at night to grab a bite to eat.
“We have a really tight bond. That’s what makes us excel,” he said.
On the field Anderson defers slightly to Killins, acknowledging his friend is slightly faster.
“He’s got me by a couple of steps,” Anderson said.
Killins is sure Anderson is right.
“I believe I’m the fastest guy in college football,” he said after Saturday’s win.