Early enrollees include trio of ACC transfers

At least 10 new UCF football players enrolled in classes in January, including three transfers from ACC schools and a star quarterback from Hawaii who picked the Knights over USC.

The early enrollees will all be able to participate in UCF’s offseason conditioning program and spring practice, giving them more time to get acclimated to the Knights’ playbook and a better chance to earn early playing time.

Defensive tackle Cam Goode and linebacker Aundre Kearney both transferred from Virginia Tech to UCF, with Kearney joining the team as a walk-on.

Goode was a talented Washington D.C. area three-star prospect who was expected to immediately contend for a backup role at Virginia Tech, but he left the school before 2018 preseason camp.

Kearney, a three-star prospect who once was committed to Miami early in his recruitment, had 35 tackles during 10 appearances and two starts for the Hokies in 2018. He announced his decision to transfer after a Virginia Tech loss to Miami.

Defensive back Jordan Hayes joins UCF as a graduate transfer from Duke. Hayes recorded 97 tackles during his career with the Blue Devils.

UCF coach Josh Heupel also continues to enjoy success recruiting brothers of current players.

Western Kentucky defensive back Devin Nixon, the brother of current starting receiver Tre Nixon, has transferred to UCF and enrolled as a walk-on.

One of the most closely watched members of the 2019 recruiting class is quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a Hawaii standout who chose UCF over USC during Early National Signing Day.

Gabriel has enrolled at UCF early, immediately providing depth to a quarterback group that was thin behind starter Darriel Mack Jr. after McKenzie Milton suffered a severe leg injury.

“Obviously a great player on tape,” Heupel said when asked to analyze Gabriel on early signing day. “He’s accurate with the football, strong arm, great mobility but as much as anything, it’s the off-the-field things that make you fall in love with him. He’s highly competitive and really smart.

“When he came on his official visit, absolutely everybody he came into contact with just loved the kid. I think at that position, that competitiveness, that spirit can transcend throughout your football team. I’m really excited about getting him.”