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ORLANDO — UCF generated plenty of buzz, and plenty of praise, for its work in the transfer portal this offseason.
Chris Hummer (247Sports) and Pete Nakos (On3 Sports) each declared the Knights a winner for their efforts to patch short-term holes and acquire young talent to build a roster that can realistically contend in the Big 12. Head coach Gus Malzahn expects his team to be deeper and more physical to withstand the nine-game conference slate, as well as a much anticipated non-league trip to Florida.
UCF enters the fall with 24 transfers on the team, making significant additions in both the winter and spring windows. But which players will make the biggest impact in the months ahead?
The News-Journal predicted the Knights’ top 10 additions, listed in ascending order, entering the 2024 season.
UCF football opens fall camp: 5 position battles to monitor before New Hampshire opener
10. WR Ja’Varrius Johnson
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson (6) celebrates his touchdown catch as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Auburn Tigers 27-24.
Malzahn has done well, for the most part, when recruiting his former players at Auburn. Kobe Hudson posted a 900-yard, eight-touchdown receiving season, and Lee Hunter finished third on the team with 69 tackles as a redshirt sophomore.
He’ll hope to get similar production from Johnson, the Knights’ final portal addition upon his commitment May 14.
Johnson (5-10, 180) has one year of eligibility remaining and an opportunity to crack the Knights’ starting lineup alongside Hudson and Xavier Townsend. He suited up 35 times for Auburn, catching 64 passes for 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns.
9. DE Daylan Dotson
Malachi Lawrence blossomed into a pass-rushing force last season, pairing…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-ucf-footballs-10-most-150759741.html
Author : Daytona Beach News-Journal
Publish date : 2024-07-31 15:07:59
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