Lyndsay Fogarty
The University of Central Florida football team had quite the season last year when Head Coach Scott Frost took the helm. Together, the Knights bounced back from a losing season, ending 2016 with a 6-7 record and a bowl game appearance.
Here is a glimpse at what you can expect for the 2017 season:
1. Four of UCF’s starting offensive linemen from last year will return. Jason Rae is the only offensive player who left the starting group, and Jordan Johnson, who started 12 of 13 games at the right guard position as a true freshman last season, is the frontrunner to replace him.
2. Seven of the team’s top eight defensive linemen from last season will return to anchor the defensive unit, which was named among the best in the nation in 2016. Returning starters Tony Guerad, Jamiyus Pittman and Trysten Hill will likely be starters again this season.
3. With four of last year’s starting defensive backs drafted or signed by NFL squads, Kyle Gibson, Tre Neal and Alabama transfer Shawn Burgess-Becker will bring their talents to the position.
4. For the first time in four years, there will be a new punter. Mac Loudermilk is expected to replace Caleb Houston when it comes to punting duties.
5. McKenzie Milton will return as the only quarterback on the roster with extensive game experience when he was pressed into duty during week three as a true freshman last season.
6. The Knights have lost three of four starting linebackers from the 2016 season, but American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Shaquem Griffin will return with 92 tackles, 20 tackles for-loss and 11.5 sacks under his belt from last season.
With a lineup like this, the UCF Knights seem ready to take on the new season.
Source: UCFKnights.com/football
2017 UCF Knights Football Schedule
Aug. 31 FIU Golden Panthers
Sept. 9 Memphis Tigers
Sept. 16 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Sept. 23 at Maryland Terrapins
Sept. 30 Maine Black Bears
Oct. 7 at Cincinnati Bearcats
Oct. 14 East Carolina Pirates
Oct. 21 at Navy Midshipmen
Oct. 28 Off
Nov. 4 at SMU Mustangs
Nov. 11 UConn Huskies
Nov. 18 at Temple Owls
Nov. 24 USF Bulls
Dec. 2 The American Championship
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