Knights expected freshmen to play

UCF offensive coordinator Troy Walters isn’t surprised young players are playing big roles for the Knights’ offense.

Freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton is one of many rookies who will need to deliver big games when UCF faces off with defending American Athletic Conference champion Houston Saturday.

While UCF head coach Scott Frost and his staff had little time to prepare for National Signing Day after they were hired, Walters said they targeted quality players who could help them.

“We got in and we were gonna recruit guys that we feel can help this offense and we knew that those guys could come in and have a chance,” Walters said.

“They work their butt off. They study the offense; at meetings they’re taking notes and that helps them learn the offense. And if you know the offense, then you go out there and play and let your abilities take over. So we’re very pleased with our freshman class and we’ve got some other guys that are redshirted that we’re thrilled about and we know that they’re gonna help next year when their time comes.”

While Houston’s offense, anchored by Greg Ward Jr., gets the most attention, the Cougars also field a strong defense. Houston ranks No. 6 nationally and No. 1 in the AAC in rushing defense, allowing 98.5 yards per game. Junior linebacker Matthew Adams leads the Cougars defense with 49 tackles while freshman defensive tackle Ed Oliver paces Houston with 10.5 tackles for a loss this season.

Next game: UCF at Houston, noon Saturday, ESPNU