Head coach Josh Heupel is gearing up for his first season as the University of Central Florida’s new head coach.
On Feb. 7, the Knights announced the signings of a wide receiver, an offensive lineman, two defensive linemen and two defensive backs. This increases UCF’s 2018 signing class to 19, as the Knights signed 13 student-athletes during the early-signing period.
“I absolutely love the guys we brought in here. I’m excited about what we were able to bring in up front on both sides of the ball,” Heupel said, per the Knights’ press release. “Thrilled with what we were able to add as far as size, girth and strength up front. I think the additions in this recruiting cycle in the secondary are critical for us in developing some young guys who have play-making abilities.”
UCF’s newest flanking threat is Ke’von Ahmad, a three-star recruit out of Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas. Last season, he reeled in 16 touchdown catches and 1,604 yards on 98 receptions. Ahmad was a threat on special teams, averaging 30.5 yards per kickoff return, too.
The Knights’ lone offensive-line signee is three-star recruit Lamarius Benson. The Eastside High School alumnus hails from Covington, Georgia. There, he helped his team to an 8-3 record and a state playoff berth last season. Benson was a two-time all-region honoree.
UCF brings a pair of 6-foot defensive backs in two-star recruit Trey Green and three-star signee Dyllon Lester.
Green is staying in the Sunshine State, as he graduated from Glades Central High School in Belle Glade. He earned second-team all-state honors as a junior, recording 42 tackles and 2 interceptions. Green also played wide receiver for Glades Central.
The winning culture set by the Knights last season will be familiar to Lester. He helped American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida, to an undefeated, 14-0 record, winning the Class 5A state championship.
Tyrese Black, the Knights’ 6-foot-5 D-line signee, is also coming off a state-championship season. He helped Eagles Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, Georgia, to a 14-0 record and its third-straight state title. In 2017, he recorded 42 tackles, 8 for loss.
UCF’s other defensive-lineman addition brings athleticism to the edge. The 6-foot-6, 241-pound Landon Woodson from Stafford High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, recorded 3 sacks and an 85-yard pick-6 in a regional title game last season. He also caught 24 passes for 6 touchdowns and 480 yards in 2017.
For more on the Knights, as they make preparations for spring ball, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
