ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF has released their first official depth chart of the season, answering questions Knights fans have needed answers to since spring football. Check below for analysis on the fresh faces and a podcast from Knight News’ Tyler Graddy and Juan Toribio of Knights 24/7.
Defense: (7 New Starters)
CB Brandon Moore
CB Chris Johnson
DB Tre Neal
DB Kyle Gibson
OLB Shaquem Griffin
ILB Chequan Burkett
ILB Pat Jasinski
OLB Titus Davis
DE Tony Guerad
NG Trysten Hill
DE Jamiyus Pittman
Offense: (4 New Starters)
QB McKenzie Milton
RB Jawon Hamilton
LT Aaron Evans
OG Tyler Hudanick
C Jordan Johnson
OG Chavis Dickey
RT Wyatt Miller
WR Tre’Quan Smith
WR Gabe Davis
WR Dredrick Snelson
Holes to Plug (New Starters)
There were a few glaring holes coming out of spring football – namely in the secondary, at linebacker, along with the offensive line and amongst the receiving corps. Coach Frost said that for the most part the depth chart has been set – with the exception of cornerback and offensive guard. Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander said as recently as Tuesday that the competition in the secondary will battle on until game day on Thursday.
Defensive Backfield: All four of UCF’s starting defensive backs left the program in the offseason – a loss of 11 interceptions, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 242 tackles. New
Linebacker: Headed into the spring football game, it looked like UCF had lost a ton of depth inside with the losses of Mark Rucker, Demeitre Brim, and Chequan Burkett. Luckily enough for UCF, Burquett’s decision to leave team didn’t last for long and he was welcomed back with open arms.
Shaquem Griffin remains cemented on the outside but lost a partner in crime, Errol Clarke – leaving a big gap on the other side of the field. With opponents likely to give huge attention to Shaquem, it frees up a massive opportunity for Titus Davis and position transfer Shawn Burgess-Becker to step up and eat.
Wide Receiver: Tre’Quan Smith is an absolute stud. His play in the offseason became a regular kind of special, where he continuously was said to separate himself head and shoulders from the crowd. The trick is the rotation behind him.
Offensive coordinator Troy Walters said that UCF will have to use a receiver by committee approach, but that Emmanuel Logan-Greene has looked sharp all through camp. Expect blocking-specialist Cam Stewart to start the season on the outside, but Greene could quickly play his way from the slot into a more featured role.
Offensive Line: Bookend tackles are nice to have. Really nice to have. They just don’t account for a system with pulling guards and constant high-tempo. Jordan Johnson stepped up last year at right guard but is making the cross-over to center while Freshman Sam Jackson has impressed enough to get the chance at Guard alongside Chavis Dickey headed into week one.
