Knights tout depth at WR
For the second time in the past three seasons, UCF finished 2019 in the top 10 in the country in passing offense.
The Knights built a reputation for explosive plays and the team didn’t disappoint last season after recording 105 plays of at least 20 yards. Fifty-eight of those came from receivers Gabe Davis (22), Tre Nixon (14), Marlon Williams (7), Jacob Harris (6) and Otis Anderson (3).
Davis became the go-to option in the passing attack, with the junior targeted a team-high 133 times during the regular season. He finished with a single season school record 1,241 yards and 12 touchdowns. But his decision to jump to the NFL early leaves the Knights in search of the program’s next standout receiver.
“We’ve got some talented guys,” UCF receivers coach Darrell Wyatt said before spring practice was shut down. “We’ve got a few guys that have come back and made some plays, but past results do not guarantee future results. Every day, they come out and grind and the guy that emerges will be the go-to guy.”
Starters: Tre Nixon, Otis Anderson, Marlon Williams, Jacob Harris
Backups: Ke’von Ahmad, Amari Johnson, Alex Harris, Jaylon Robinson, Kyle Benkel
Gone: Gabe Davis
Buzz: Davis’ departure to the NFL is a big blow, but the emergence of Tre Nixon and Marlon Williams in the offense along with the return of Otis Anderson should supply ample experience in 2020. … Nixon was second on the team in receiving yards (830), receiving touchdowns (7) and targets (94). “Tre’s done a great job for us for two years,” Wyatt said. “He’s been able to get deep and give us some big plays, but he wants to improve his overall game.” … Williams tripled his production from his sophomore to junior campaigns, finishing second on the team in receptions (51) and third in receiving yards (711) and receiving touchdowns (6). … Anderson was another player who doubled his output in 2019, finishing with a career high in receptions (31) and receiving yards (365) while splitting time at running back and kick returner. … Jacob Harris, who earned a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA this offseason, continues to impress the coaching staff with his potential to become a deep passing target. … Jaylon Robinson, who sat out last season due to NCAA rules after transferring from Oklahoma, and freshman Ja’Cyais Credle, who arrives in the fall, are some of the other receivers to watch.