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.
LINEBACKERS
The Knights lost three of their four starting linebackers from 2016.
However, building a new linebacker corps is a bit easier when the cornerstone is returning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Shaquem Griffin, who managed 92 tackles, 20 tackles for-loss and 11.5 sacks last season.
"At outside backer, I feel really good about what we've got coming back with Shaquem Griffin, obviously," head coach Scott Frost said.
Gone is Mark Rucker, who led the team in tackles with 93 last season. Demeitre Brim, the unquestioned leader of last year's defense, and his 82 stops also graduated. Errol Clarke and his 12.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks were also lost.
"We lost some leadership at inside backer losing Mark Rucker and Demeitre Brim," Frost said.
So, who fills the void?
On the inside, junior Pat Jasinski gained valuable experience in 2016. He played in 12 games and tallied 41 tackles. Chequan Burkett also returns. Burkett notched 38 stops in 12 games in 2016.
Nate Evans also saw a fair amount of action as a true freshman last season at inside backer, taking part in 11 games.
"Pat Jasinski and Chequan Burkett split time with those guys last year," Frost said. "They should be the lead dogs there. Nate Evans had a solid spring and definitely will play and help us at the middle backer spot."
To bookend Griffin on the outside, junior Titus Davis and redshirt freshman Dedrion Bacote both had solid springs. Davis earned valuable experience in 2016, as well. He tallied 12 tackles in seven games.
"Dedrion Bacote and Titus Davis both had a great spring opposite Shaquem," Frost said. "Then we've got six young linebackers coming in that we think are really talented and we'll see which ones of those guys are ready to play."
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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