ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) - UCF head football coach Josh Heupel added six more pieces to the puzzle on Wednesday, the second of two National Signing Days this year. The Knights inked 13 student-athletes during the early signing period in December, leaving the class at 19 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Heupel introduced four defensive players, including two each on the defensive line and defensive backfield. Tyrese Black and Landon Woodson join the Knights on the defensive front. Black will play inside, while Woodson will play on the end. Dyllon Lester and Trey Green, a pair of defensive backs from South Florida, both have a nose for the ball, according to Heupel.
Of the two offensive players to sign Wednesday, one is a speedster while the other is described by Heupel as a "road grader." Ke'von Ahmad is a play-making wide receiver out of Texas with Florida ties. Offensive lineman Lamarius Benson weighs in at over 300 pounds and is among the best offensive guards in the country.
"I absolutely love the guys we brought in here," Heupel said. "I'm excited about what we were able to bring in up front on both sides of the ball. Thrilled with what we were able to add as far as size, girth and strength up front. I think the additions in this recruiting cycle in the secondary are critical for us in developing some young guys who have play-making abilities. On the offensive side ... we were also able to add some speed and play-making ability on the outside."
Heupel said taking over a program with a history of success has led to success on the recruiting trail.
"Six 10-win seasons in the past 10 years, three conference championships in five years," Heupel said. "People understand this program is powerful. It's located in a unique area where you have an opportunity to recruit championship-caliber athletes year in and year out. Certainly our brand right now, with what happened last year, is as hot as anywhere. It's been a great opportunity for us to continue to go out and recruit great players because of it."
The following is a look at each of the six newest Knights:
Ke'von Ahmad
Wide Receiver - 6-0 - 195
Colleyville, Texas - Heritage HS
247: 3 Stars, No. 515 Player in Nation, No. 86 WR in Nation; No. 72 Player in Texas
Rivals: 3 Stars, No. 70 WR in Nation, No. 75 Player in Texas
ESPN: 3 Stars, No. 135 Player in Region; No. 141 WR in Nation; No. Player in Texas
High School Coach: Joe Willis
* Hauled in 98 passes for 1,604 yards and 16 TDs as a senior in 2017
* Averaged 30.5 yards per kickoff return last season
* Helped lead Panthers to 11-2 record, district championship and Region semifinal
Lamarius Benson
Offensive Line - 6-3 - 321
Covington, Ga. - Eastside HS
247: 3 Stars,
Rivals: 3 Stars, No. 40 Guard in Nation; No. 85 Player in Georgia
ESPN: 3 Stars, No. 361 Player in Region; No. 48 Guard in Nation; No. 84 Player in Georgia
High School Coach: Troy Hoff
* Helped lead team to 8-3 record and state playoff berth as a senior in 2017
* Selected to play for USA Football at 2018 International Bowl
* Two-time all-region selection
Tyrese Black
Defensive Line - 6-5 - 290
McDonough, Ga. - Eagles Landing Christian Academy
247: 3 Stars, No. 1910 Player in Nation; No. 135 DT in Nation; No. 175 Player in Georgia
Rivals: 2 Stars
High School Coach: Jonathan Gess
* Helped lead team to 14-0 record and third straight state championship in 2017
* Recorded 42 tackles, including 8 tackles for-loss as a senior
* Earned all-county and all-region honors
Trey Green
Defensive Back - 6-0 - 175
Belle Glade, Fla. - Glades Central HS
247: 2 Stars; No. 2605 Player in Nation; No. 386 Player in Florida
Rivals: 2 Stars
High School Coach: Jessie Hester
* Helped lead team to 7-4 record and berth in district playoffs
* Played both CB and WR for Glades Central, with 247 ranking him as No. 393 WR in the nation
* Earned second-team all-state as a junior after racking up 42 tackles and 2 interceptions
Dyllon Lester
Defensive Back - 6-0, 190
Plantation, Fla. - American Heritage HS
247: No. 2224 Player in Nation; No. 197 CB in Nation; No. 341 Player in Florida
Rivals: 3 Stars
High School Coach: Pat Surtain
* Helped lead team to 14-0 record
* Led team to Class 5A State Championship
* Helped lead Flanagan HS to a 9-3 record and state playoff berth as a junior
Landon Woodson
Defensive End - 6-6 - 241
Fredericksburg, Va. - Stafford HS
High School Coach: Mo Hampton
* Helped lead team to 10-4 record and state semifinal berth as senior in 2017
* Tallied 3 sacks and an 85-yard interception return for a TD in regional title game
* Also a standout wide receiver, catching 24 passes for 480 yards and 6 TDs
