Knights boast talented receivers
Despite the early departure of Dredrick Snelson, UCF returns a wealth of talent at wide receiver, led by Gabriel Davis, a second-team selection on the all-American Athletic Conference team.
As the Knights prepare to start spring practice in a few weeks, the Orlando Sentinel is running an occasional series previewing each position group on the team. Returning starters: Gabriel Davis (26 career starts), Tre Nixon (13), Otis Anderson (8)
Others: Marlon Williams, Kyle Benkel, Jonathan Moore, Jason Colubiale, Nykie Marion, Alex Harris, Ke’von Ahmad, Jacob Harris, Devin Nixon
Departures: Dredrick Snelson (20), Tristan Payton (8), Cam Stewart (13), Elijah Spann, Tristan Reaves, Dontay Mayfield, Kenyon Johnson, Jaquarius Bargnare
Overview: The Knights return three of their top four receivers from last season, including team leader Davis, who finished with career highs in receptions (53), receiving yards (815) and receiving touchdowns (7).
Tre Nixon finished third on the team in receptions (40) and receiving |
yards (562) after from Ole Miss.
Otis Anderson, who also lined up in the backfield as well as a return specialist, finished with 16 catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
Snelson’s decision to leave early for the NFL leaves the unit looking for another go-to playmaker. For the second consecutive season, Snelson finished second on the team in receiving yards (688), and his streak of 27 consecutive games with a reception ranks ninth in school history.
Williams (234 yards, touchdown), Ahmad and Alex Harris all made appearances last season at receiver, with Williams also serving as a return specialist. Jacob Harris also was used primarily on special teams.
Benkel, Moore and Marion did not see game action in 2018.
A pair of transfers with family ties to the Knights could help out.
transferring UCF wide receiver Gabriel Davis, left, celebrates
Devin Nixon, the older brother of Tre, transferred to UCF after spending three seasons at Western
Kentucky.
Jason Colubiale, who is brother of former UCF tight the end Michael Colubiale, adds depth after transferring from Mercyhurst University and sitting out last year.