16 former Knights earn NFL roster spots
The 2020 NFL season kicks off this week with 16 UCF Knights on pro rosters, with another three having locked in practice-squad spots.
Former UCF defensive end Bruce Miller, who now plays fullback, is arguably the biggest preseason NFL surprise. Miller earned a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster after spending four years outside of the league due to off-the-field legal issues.
He is joined by tight end Michael Colubiale on the Jacksonville roster.
Cornerback Rashard Causey is the only other Knight on a Florida roster, landing a spot on the Miami Dolphins roster.
Running back Latavius Murray and receiver Tre’Quan Smith remain members of the New Orleans Saints roster, competing for a team pushing to reach the Super Bowl.
Shaquill Griffin is a starting cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, another team that believes it has championship-caliber talent.
Tight end Jordan Akins is on the Houston Texans roster and kicks off the season in the first NFL game being played Thursday night.
Receiver Gabriel Davis earned a spot on the Buffalo Bills roster after he was selected by the team in the 2020 NFL draft.
Defensive tackle Trysten Hill remains a solid member of the Dallas Cowboys lineup.
Cornerback A.J. Bouye is on the Denver Broncos’ roster.
Cornerback Mike Hughes has stormed back from a neck injury and earned a spot on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
Offensive lineman Jordan McCray, who played for the Orlando Predators early in his career, clinched a spot on the Atlanta Falcons roster.
Receiver Breshad Perriman turned in a strong training camp and landed a spot on the New York Jets roster.
Three UCF specialists also secured roster spots: long snapper Charley Hughlett (Cleveland), kicker Matt Prater (Detroit) and kicker Matthew Wright (Pittsburgh).
And three more Knights had locked in practice-squad spots by
Monday night.
Defensive end/ linebacker Shaquem Griffin, a fan favorite who made history by reaching the NFL despite having one hand amputated as a child, was added to the Seahawks practice squad. Nate Evans (Jacksonville) and
Adrian Killins (Philadelphia) also claimed practice-squad roles.
Nevelle Clarke (Minnesota), Jordan Franks (Cincinnati) and Wyatt Miller (Dallas) were cut during the past few days.
Franks worked out for Philadelphia on Monday and could earn a spot on the Eagles practice squad.
Miller was injured at the time he was waived by the Cowboys. He was acquired by Dallas last season from the Cincinnati practice squad and may find his way back onto a squad once he recovers.
The Vikings had not reached their 16-man practice squad limit Monday and still could sign Clarke.
During a year when COVID-19 could quickly spread among rosters, fringe players are being encouraged to stay in shape and stay in touch with their agents because they could work their way onto practice squads or