Jan. 9, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF Head Coach George O'Leary announced the addition of four new student-athletes to the Golden Knight football program on Tuesday. The players are enrolled for spring semester classes and will be eligible to work out with the team immediately and participate in spring practices.
Three of the four athletes are early high school graduates, while Darin Baldwin (Homestead, Fla./South Dade) did not play organized football during the 2006 season after originally committing to play for North Carolina State following the 2005 prep season. The three early graduates are Jake Goray (Fort Walton Beach, Fla./Choctawhatchee), Troy Kelly (Arcadia, Fla./DeSoto) and Ereck Plancher (Naples, Fla./Lely).
"Anytime you can bring in recruits early, it is going to help them and help your football team," O'Leary said. "We are fortunate to bring these four guys on board. It gives them an opportunity to have an extra semester to adjust to college life both academically and on the football field."
Baldwin played in the South Dade defensive backfield as both a safety and a cornerback. During his senior season, the 5-foot-11, 176-pounder had 40 tackles and four interceptions. He was also a standout wrestler, finishing runner-up in the 171-pound classification at the 3A State Championships as a senior. As a junior, Baldwin had six interceptions.
Goray lined up at tight end, fullback and wide receiver for Choctawhatchee High and also was the team's punter his junior and senior seasons. He had 10 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown over his last two years in an offense that primarily used his blocking skills. A member of the National Honor Society, Goray also participated in track and field, baseball and basketball during his prep career.
Kelly was named the 2006 Player of the Year for his area comprised of Charlotte, Manatee and DeSoto Counties. During his senior year, Kelly recorded 116 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and forced four fumbles from his middle linebacker spot. A four-year starter at linebacker, Kelly had 112 tackles as a junior along with three sacks and two interceptions. He also was named the south team's Defensive MVP during the eighth annual South-Central All-Star Classic in Sebring, Fla., on Dec. 16.
Plancher played on both sides of the ball for Lely High School as he earned back-to-back first-team All-Area honors the last two seasons. As a senior, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back fought through an injury-plagued season to rush 102 times for 628 yards, while also catching 20 passes for 329 yards. At the safety position, he made 24 tackles and had one interception. Plancher rushed for 1,028 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.
The Golden Knights will open the 2007 season at North Carolina State on Sept. 1. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.