Safety providing depth at linebacker Hurricanes’ O-line eager to improve Some Knights still seeking first TD

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic safety Andrew Soroh had grown accustomed to being in the starting lineup.

He started most of last season, and it appeared he would remain in that spot when training camp opened. That changed when he was beaten out by freshman Zyon Gilbert. It left Soroh with a decision: stay a seldom-used backup or find another way to get on the field. He chose the latter and is contributing at linebacker. “I’m just the type of player that wherever my team needs or wherever the coaches want to put me, that’s where I’ll play,” said Soroh, a junior from Miami. “I kind of adapted to it fast.”

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Soroh was moved once it was clear Gilbert had solidified the starting position after recording 15 tackles in the opener against Navy. The switch came at the urging of defensive coordinator Chris Kiffin.

Soroh, who still plays some defensive back, has made the most of the opportunity. He is eighth on the team with 23 tackles and still has the chance to match last year’s total of 44. He recorded a season-high five tackles against Wisconsin and Old Dominion.

“It’s still defense, and I already knew what was going on,” Soroh said. “Being that I was a safety, I’m kind of making the calls.”

Next game: FAU at Western Kentucky, p.m., ESPN3, WTCN

Shandel Richardson Saturday, 4:30

CORAL GABLES — It isn’t as shiny as the “Turnover Chain” their defensive teammates have made famous, and it’s handed out quietly, away from television cameras and fans. But for members of Miami’s offensive line, the brick given to the player that records the hardest hit in each game has provided a spark of its own midway through the season.

So far, according to freshman Corey Gaynor, he’s earned two of the bricks painted in Miami’s orange and green and emblazoned with his No. 65 jersey number. Left tackle Kc McDermott has gotten three of bricks doled out by the coaching staff and center Tyler Gauthier has one, too.

Bricks or not, as the Hurricanes prepare for another Coastal Division game, Miami’s offensive linemen know they are playing better than they were a year ago.

Through six games, Miami’s offensive line has allowed just 11 sacks. The Hurricanes are averaging 369 yards per game, quarterback Malik Rosier has completed 59 percent of his passes and Miami has totaled 1,222 rushing yards with both injured running back Mark Walton and Travis Homer notching multiple 100-yard games.

Miami’s line could get a boost Saturday with the return of right guard Navaughn Donaldson, who missed both the game against Georgia Tech and Syracuse with a foot injury. Donaldson returned to practice this week and did not appear on Miami’s injury report Thursday. Cornerback Dee Delaney, who is dealing with a knee injury, was listed as probable for Saturday’s game.

Next game: No. 8 UM at UNC, Saturday, noon, ESPN2

Christy Cabrera Chirinos

Just about everybody has gotten into the end zone for the UCF football team’s No. 1 scoring offense — even defensive lineman Jamiyus Pittman.

But coaches and players still have a few names they’d like to see push through.

Receivers Cam Stewart, Emmanuel Greene and Jordan Franks are still searching for their first touchdowns this season.

“We’re trying,” tight ends coach Sean Beckton said of getting Franks in the end zone. “Last week, we had some things for him but didn’t get them called. Every week we try to figure out certain situations to get our guys touches when they need to.”

UCF’s offense has a great deal of depth and diversity. Allowing multiple players to get touches and opportunities to score is key to keeping players satisfied.

The No. 18 Knights are averaging 47.3 points per game, with last week’s 31-21 victory against Navy registering as their lowest output. UCF’s highest point total this season came against East Carolina when the team scored 63 points. Last season, the Knights averaged 28.8 points per game.

“I think guys know their assignments a little bit better,” said UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton. “Knowing where they need to be and when they need to be there in both the run and pass game …so I think it’s just a combination of everybody just knowing their jobs a little bit better and executing a lot better.”

Next game: No. 18 UCF vs. Austin Peay, Saturday, 5 p.m., ESPN3.com

Shannon Green