The UCF Knights are among the handful of new Big 12 teams joining the conference this fall. Head coach Gus Malzahn is in his third season but added two new coordinators to help improve both the offense and defense. We’re previewing UCF’s 2024 NFL Draft prospects who can help the Knights reach 10 wins in 2023.
UCF Knights Roster and Depth Chart Changes
UCF took full advantage of their opportunity to bolster their roster in the transfer portal. The Knights lost 22 players but gained 20, including several impact starters. Malzahn will be relying on a ton of seniors in 2023, setting the team up for an opportunity to excel if their transfer additions pay off.
Three starters should join an offensive line that already had two strong starters in right guard Lokahi Pauole and left tackle Tylan Grable. As of now, only one non-senior is slated to start on offense. UCF brought back leading passer and rusher John Rhys Plumlee, their third-leading rusher RJ Harvey, and their top two receivers in Javon Baker and Kobe Hudson.
The two most exciting prospects are on the defensive side. Cornerback Decorian Patterson joined UCF from Middle Tennessee State after leading the NCAA in interceptions. He’s joining star defensive tackle Ricky Barber, who is entering his third season with the program since transferring from Western Kentucky.
UCF NFL Draft Prospects
John Rhys Plumlee, QB
A bit of an unassuming quarterback prospect because of his 6-foot, 200-pound frame and long windup before his release, Plumlee checks several other boxes that have evaluators intrigued.
Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy noted that Plumlee has already shown off a more efficient passing motion at the Manning Camp this summer, which would take a major concern off his résumé. Plumlee had a Tim Tebow-esque windup previously, dropping the ball to his quad before unloading passes.
This created accuracy and consistency issues. However, assuming this improves, Plumlee has the physical tools to be a quality backup QB prospect. He’s a strong runner who doesn’t force rushing attempts, which also translates to being an effective passer while on the move.
Plumlee can pepper accurate passes on short throws, in particular. If he can be more consistent under pressure with his accuracy and stick to his improved mechanics, Plumlee may get drafted next spring.
RJ Harvey, RB
RJ Harvey’s 5’8″, 195-pound frame suggests he’s more of a scatback than someone capable of handling a significant number of touches. He was third on UCF in rushing last year but was the most efficient of the ball carriers. Harvey’s game is far less reliant on being obviously shifty and schemed into space.
Instead, Harvey has a wise man’s game. He effectively presses the line of scrimmage to draw in defenders before showing off good acceleration to the next level. He’s not super fast or quick, but he keeps his legs moving, and his shorter gait helps him escape contact.
Harvey is also comfortable as a receiver, giving him third-down potential in the NFL. He may not be more than a Day 3 pick, but Harvey can add real value to an offense.
Javon Baker, WR
The standout star on UCF’s offense is Javon Baker. One of my favorite players in the class to watch, Baker has a solid build at 6’1″ and 197 pounds. He’s not someone who will create a lot of separation, but his competitiveness, ball skills, and ability to create after the catch are superb.
There’s a ceiling on where players like Baker get drafted, and it’s usually on Day 3. However, Baker’s large catch radius and attention to detail on routes can help him outproduce his draft slot to become a good role player.
Lokahi Pauole, G
An accomplished right guard over his career, Pauole is one of the best blockers in the conference. He’s a solid athlete who works well in space as he climbs to the second level of defenses with ease. His strength allows him to help on two defenders at once as well.
Pauole isn’t a dominant athlete, though, and this can show in pass protection against the quicker defensive tackles. He survives well on his own but can be prone to losing the leverage battle. Still, he can work his way closer to the top 100 with another strong season against better competition.
Ricky Barber, DT
A smaller defender considering he was often used as a nose tackle, Barber is flat-out fun to watch. He has great quickness off the snap, as expected for someone 6’1″ and 292 pounds. Barber’s naturally low pad level is used as a strength to get into the body of blockers, where he’ll then work past their hip with his speed.
Barber sheds blocks well with a notably good rip move and holds his own in the run game. His size may limit his draft stock, and his production hasn’t yet caught up to his film, as he’s produced only 12 sacks over four seasons. But I have a third-round grade on Barber entering this fall as someone who can be a disruptive rotational player in the NFL.
Tre’mon Morris-Brash, EDGE
A jitterbug presence as a standup edge defender, Tre’mon Morris-Brash brings energy and good speed. He’s able to threaten blockers with his ability to reach the apex corner of the pocket but doesn’t quite have the flexibility or strength to fight through contact if the blocker meets him there.
Morris-Brash is best suited for stunts and delays, which allow him to work around blockers instead of going through them with power or moves. He could become a late-round value for teams looking to scheme pressure more than rely on stars to create opportunities.
Jason Johnson, LB
Highly productive as an FCS All-American before joining UCF last year, Jason Johnson has impressive numbers. He’s a weakside linebacker in most fronts because he’s built more like a DB than a middle LB. Johnson’s lean frame leads to struggles taking blocks head on, and he’s not an effective blitzer due to his lack of strength.
Johnson’s best value is as a tackler in space. He drops into zones and the flats and is a reliable finisher of plays. Johnson enters the year with a fringe draftable grade.
Decorian Patterson, CB
Patterson is one of the most impressive seniors I saw on tape this summer. Leading the country in interceptions is impressive, but how Patterson accomplished this, along with his physical traits, is more encouraging for his NFL outlook. It wasn’t an accident he was the best player on the field, even against Miami (FL) in 2022.
Patterson boasts a solid frame with good length that allows him to attack the catch point remarkably well as the ball arrives. His patience in his backpedal and as the ball arrives is terrific, and he rarely loses positioning just to go for the ball. Patterson was constantly in the receiver’s hip pocket or on top of them, depending on what the coverage called for.
Unlike most ball-hawking corners, Patterson doesn’t overreact to routes, and he’s physically able to stay with receivers making double moves. His concentration is excellent, and he participates in the run game as an effective defender.
There aren’t many weaknesses to Patterson’s game, but he’ll be tested more often at UCF. He’s not the quickest, most explosive athlete, and he could stand to be a bit more aggressive when defending in off-man alignments. But there’s Round 1 potential for Patterson if he translates to the Big 12.
UCF Knights Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Aug. 31: vs. Kent State Golden Flashes - Week 3
Sept. 9: at Boise State Broncos - Week 4
Sept. 16: vs. Villanova Wildcats - Week 5
Sept. 23: at Kansas State Wildcats - Week 6
Sept. 30: vs. Baylor Bears - Week 7
Oct. 7: at Kansas Jayhawks - Week 8
BYE - Week 9
Oct. 21: vs. Oklahoma Sooners - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. West Virginia Mountaineers - Week 11
Nov. 4: at Cincinnati Bearcats - Week 12
Nov. 11: at Oklahoma State Cowboys - Week 13
Nov. 18: at Texas Tech Red Raiders - Week 14
Nov. 25: vs. Houston Cougars - Week 15
BYE