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Running backs will be UCF Knights’ main source of offence in 2024……….
The UCF Knights’ Big 12 Conference debut was quite disappointing as they only won three conference games and fell to Georgia Tech 17–30 in the Gasparilla Bowl. The squad had been beset by injuries to quarterback John Rhys Plumlee and several others. With Rhys Plumlee and many others out of the picture, the UCF staff was inspired to make some significant changes and use the transfer portal. improvements that have given the Knights hope. Modifications that might help UCF win the conference championship.
Let’s discuss what it will take to get the Knights to the promised land and how UCF can emerge as a surprise Big 12 contender.
A Completely Bred Running Back Stable
The backfield strength of the Knights has not changed despite several significant changes, as workhorse RJ Harvey is expected to return in 2024. Harvey, however, won’t be alone because the UCF staff has offered him a lot of support. Harvey’s comeback was undoubtedly the biggest story in the running back room, but the Knights also gained a tonne of production and young talent through the portal and their high school recruiting class.
In the 2024 class, the Knights have a strong bunch of freshmen running backs. Both Frankie Arthur and Stacy Gauge have committed to play for UCF and will flourish under the direction of Harvey, the transfer backs—who will be discussed later—and running backs coach Tim Harris Jr., who rejoins the Knights following a season at Miami.
According to 247sports.com, Gauge was regarded as the 30th best running back in the nation, while Arthur was ranked 18th. Both are four-star prospects who will keep the room intact after Harvey and company depart since, despite their considerable experience, the running back group has limited eligibility left.
Let’s move on to the transfers. Transferring Louisville and Toledo Peny Boone has made the decision to bring his skills to Orlando. The entering senior is one of the most sought-after athletes in the nation after leading the Rockets in receiving yards and touchdowns with over 1,600 yards and 16 last season. He and Harvey will be a formidable one-two combination that has the ability to shatter Big 12 defences. Myles Montgomery, a move from Cincinnati, will also offer some more support. Following one of the most underappreciated backs in the country in Corey Kiner, the incoming junior back ran for 429 yards and three scores.
The running back room on this UCF squad could be its greatest asset. This position group is among the best in the country and will help an offence that was already ranked No. 8 in total offence the previous season thanks to the experience and output that permeate the group. The output from this room will be crucial to the Knights’ success; if everything goes right, we might witness an offensive line from UCF that is among the top five or better.
Portal Existence
The gateway not only greatly benefited the running back room, but it also greatly boosted the UCF team thanks to a stellar transfer class. Players who were top performers at their prior schools are part of the nation’s No. 22-ranked transfer class. In addition to the aforementioned Boone, this class has two quarterbacks, a plethora of defensive support, and some receivers who will be important targets for the winner of the much awaited quarterback competition.
UCF has to choose which quarterback will start in Week 1 starting with the position. Timmy McClain had a valid reason for leaving for Arkansas State. There is an abundance of talent and productivity that might really challenge McClain’s dominance. KJ Jefferson, a former signal-caller for Arkansas, was the first quarterback to pledge to the Knights. During his collegiate career, seventh-year quarterback Jefferson has passed for over 7,000 yards and 67 touchdowns.
However, on April 29, Miami transfer Jacurri Brown made the decision to move north to Orlando, meaning he wasn’t the first quarterback to pledge to the Knights. Brown only appeared in one game for the Hurricanes, the Pinstripe Bowl defeat to Rutgers last year. Despite this, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound former four-star high school prospect showed promise as a big-bodied, dual-threat player in that one game. He will undoubtedly put up a strong fight against Jefferson, but for the time being, Jefferson is expected to start.
UCF added safety Cedrick Hawkins from Ohio State, Ole Miss safety Ladarius Tennison, USC transfer cornerback Tre’Quon Fegans, and a plethora of other players to bolster a defensive backfield that was already ranked No. 25 in the country in terms of fewest passing yards allowed and returns a respectable amount of production.
The star transfer on the defensive line is the biggest obstacle facing this powerful UCF secondary, but it will be extremely difficult to throw against them. Four-star conveyance Nyjalik Kelly, a Miami native, brings his skills to Orlando. Despite suffering a season-ending injury the previous year, Kelly had an incredible rookie year in 2022 and has shown a great deal of promise. In 2024, he was one of the most sought-after transfers, with offers coming from Georgia, Texas, and Michigan.
Lastly, by adding Florida State receiver Goldie Lawrence, former Ohio receiver Jacoby Jones, Michigan State tight end Evan Morris, and Eastern Kentucky tight end Reece Adkins, the Knights also add some receiving assistance. These pass catchers will improve the No. 41-ranked passing offence in the nation from the previous season and help make up for the losses of solid receiver Javon Baker and trustworthy tight end target Alec Holler.
The UCF Knights Must Foster Unity
If UCF hopes to contend for a Big 12 championship this season, they will have to primarily rely on their running backs and this transfer class. Even though there is a lot of promise, the Knights will need to improve their run defence, which gave up a pitiful 194.3 yards per game the previous season, and assist the new faces gel together.
With defensive line and linebacker support on the way, along with a secondary that appears to be among the best in the conference, defence should not be a major concern for UCF. With even more experience and output added to an offence that was already quite fruitful the previous season, the possibilities are endless for the Knights. They are one of the more underappreciated and undervalued teams in the nation right now, and if they can establish synergy and a strong front seven, they can definitely aim high.