The 2017 season for the UCF football team is just around the corner and now is the time to get your first look at the Knights. UCFKnights.com will preview each position group in the weeks leading into camp to give Knight Nation an idea of what to expect this fall.
RUNNING BACKS
Two true freshmen carried more than one-third of the load in the Knights' rushing attack last season. Jawon Hamilton and Adrian Killins return as sophomores with a full season of experience under their belts in 2017.
"We've got a lot of running backs that I feel comfortable with," head coach Scott Frost said. "Jawon Hamilton had a good year last year. AK (Adrian Killins) was a big play guy for us."
Hamilton was the Knights' leading rusher last season, compiling 495 yards and four touchdowns. While Dontravious Wilson's 120 carries and 463 yards are gone from last year's team, home-run hitter Adrian Killins returns for his sophomore season.
Killins rushed for 325 yards on just 50 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per rush. He also scored four touchdowns. Killins was a weapon in the passing game as well, hauling in 18 passes for 198 yards and two scores.
Two juniors will also be in the mix at the running back position. Taj McGowan saw limited carries last season, toting the pigskin just 35 times. But he made the most of those opportunities, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring twice. C.J. Jones was slowed by an injury in 2016, but he rushed for a team-high 339 yards and started seven games back in 2015.
"Taj McGowan, when he got his chance last year, did some really good things," Frost said. "C.J. Jones has also done some good things when he's been healthy."
The Knights also added some extremely talented freshmen in the 2017 recruiting class. Cordarrian Richardson and Bentavious Thompson could also find themselves some carries should they have strong fall camp performances. Early enrollee Otis Anderson was impressive in the spring and could see time at running back and receiver.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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