The UCF Knights will probably be taking over a South Carolina State crew that it ought to beat handily on Thursday night time inside FBC Mortgage Stadium. With an anticipated massive lead within the second half (there had higher be), search for the category of 2022 UCF signees to begin to hit the sector.

What number of freshmen will Head Coach Gus Malzahn place into the sport? Arduous to say for certain, however Inside The Knights feels assured that eight freshmen have likelihood to play.

Quarterback Thomas Castellanos is a uncommon bodily expertise. Big arm, twitchy in area, and the velocity to beat defenders down the sideline. The one query, how a lot will he see the sector with John Rhys Plumlee and Mikey Keene forward of him?

If Castellanos finds himself behind heart, there will probably be moments the place his athleticism exhibits itself. It’s one factor to see him on video, fairly one other to see him dwell. If given two or extra collection to function, he’s going to offer no less than one spotlight reel play.

The deepest group of gamers on the roster might be working again (defensive backs are subsequent), however that doesn’t imply Jordan McDonald is not going to see motion. He performed admirably within the spring sport, and the 6-foot-1, 220-pound bruiser is an analogous participant to present starter Isaiah Bowser.

He performs downhill at first, however he can even head to the perimeter to benefit from any missed run match and/or just defeat a slower defender in a foot race. Search for McDonald to get no less than a handful of touches; he’ll profit from his carries.

If anybody seen the primary UCF depth chart launched, vast receiver Xavier Townsend (pictured in cowl photograph) is already No. 2 behind Ryan O’Keefe. A bodily participant regardless of being simply 5-foot-11 and 185 kilos, Townsend has super arms. He cut up time at Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep between vast receiver and working again.

When the soccer is within the air, nonetheless, one will assume he’s accomplished nothing however practice at vast receiver. He has a knack for hauling in 50-50 balls. He ought to get no less than a ball or two thrown his means.

Moreover, Townsend is Divaad Wilson’s backup as a punt returner. His fearless fashion is a good match for being a return man.

Shifting to the defensive position, edge defender Jamaal Johnson appeared good in the course of the restricted time the media may see him shifting round and going by way of drills. He’s Inside The Knights’ decide to shock among the many freshmen class general.

Can Johnson climb the depth chart this season? Presumably. His first likelihood comes Thursday night time. His quickness off the snap of the soccer is noticeable and it was obvious in follow that he’s already getting comfy on the school degree.

Fellow freshman defensive finish Keahnist Thompson may additionally see some motion, however Johnson might be the higher guess to see appreciable time coming off the sting.

There’s so much to kind out with the two-deep depth chart on the two conventional inside linebacker spots, so freshmen won’t get a lot time. On the Knight place, nonetheless, that’s the place Nikai Martinez has been singled out by coaches and teammates.

He’s the chief within the clubhouse to be UCF’s Freshman of the 12 months. He’s a bodily participant, and that’s why he can play within the field and over the slot receiver/tight finish. He’s going to be the backup to junior Justin Hodges, and will enter the sport even within the first quarter.

UCF followers are going to take pleasure in seeing Martinez play. He’s savvy on the gridiron, and performs quick. He’s a cornerback by commerce. Martinez performs downhill although, and that’s why he’s going to be concerned with lots of tackles this 12 months on the Knight place.

At cornerback, Ja’Cari Henderson is battling with a number of veterans, however he’s too gifted to not play. Schemes can typically diminish the enjoying time for freshmen defensive backs. That won’t cease Henderson. He’s already listed on the depth chart. Search for the speedy and lengthy cornerback to see a while within the fourth quarter on the very least.

Very similar to Johnson, Martinez and Townsend, amongst others, he’s earned the chance to play by the use of how he’s carried out throughout fall camp. His brother Demari Henderson has extra schematic conditions to be taught simply by the character of enjoying security, however he’s additionally more likely to no less than see somewhat motion towards South Carolina State.

2022 UCF Soccer Schedule

2023 UCF Dedication Listing

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