Smith and Akins declare for draft

UCF receiver and tight end have both declared for the NFL.

Smith, a redshirt junior, told the Orlando Sentinel Saturday he would forgo his senior year. Akins, a senior with one extra year of eligibility due to a previous injury, also confirmed he is leaving.

Both were key playmakers for the No. 12 Knights all season and came up with big plays to seal a programdefining 34-27 victory over No. 7 Auburn during the Peach Bowl. UCF finished the season as the only undefeated team at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

Smith and Akins signed with the same agent,

Lyles also represents UCF alums of the Jacksonville Jaguars and

of the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Bouye, a defensive back, signed a five-year deal with the Jags worth $67.5 million. It is the largest free-agent contract to date. Before that, Lyles helped Denver Broncos cornerback

sign an extension worth $42.5 million.

Industry experts project Smith and Akins could be selected as high as the middle of the third round in the draft, but both could see their stock climb after NFL workouts.

Smith, who hails from Delray Beach, was named the American Athletic Conference rookie of the year after the 2015 season. He finished his UCF career with 22 touchdowns and 2,748 receiving yards.

Akins finished his career with eight touchdowns and 1,149 yards as a receiver and tight end. He missed most of the 2015 season after tearing his ACL.

UCF will hold a parade today at Disney World to celebrate going undefeated and winning the Peach Bowl, feats the Knights say make them national champions.

The parade is set for 4:30 p.m. at Magic Kingdom and will feature the UCF football team, cheerleaders and marching band.

No. 12 UCF earned a 34-27 win over No. 7 Auburn in the Peach Bowl Monday, completing the first undefeated season in school history. The Knights went 13-0 and won the American Athletic Conference title.