ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – After a record-tying four Knights heard their names called at the 2018 NFL Draft this past weekend, four more announced the start of their pro careers shortly thereafter.
Defensive lineman Jamiyus Pittman (Miami Dolphins), offensive lineman Aaron Evans (Philadelphia Eagles), tight end Jordan Franks (Cincinnati Bengals) and defensive lineman Tony Guerad (Jacksonville Jaguars) will have the opportunity to continue their careers at the next level.
These four Knights, in addition to the four drafted this weekend, mark over 60 UCF players to have reached the NFL since 2008.
Pittman recorded 139 tackles, 23.5 tackles-for-loss, and 13 sacks in four seasons at UCF. As a senior in 2017, the Moultrie, Ga., native racked up 47 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks en route to earning First Team All-Conference honors in The American.
Evans, who started all 12 regular season games at left tackle for the Knights in 2017, was also a First Team All-Conference selection by The American. Hailing from Seffner, Fla., Evans started in 38 straight games on the offensive line prior to the 2018 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
The second senior tight end for the Knights to sign an NFL deal this spring, Franks hauled in 12 catches for 120 yards in 2017. Having also played linebacker, defensive back and wide receiver at UCF, Franks finished his career with 43 receptions, 509 yards, two touchdowns, and 11 tackles.
Guerad and Pittman were a dominant duo on the defensive line in 2017. Guerad, a native of Tampa, totaled 52 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and two sacks, while recovering one fumble as a senior. For his career, he finished with 142 tackles, 24 tackles-for-loss and 7.5 sacks.
#BUILTBYUCF
DB, Mike Hughes – Minnesota Vikings, 1st Round
WR, Tre'Quan Smith – New Orleans Saints, 3rd Round
TE, Jordan Akins – Houston Texans, 3rd Round
LB, Shaquem Griffin – Seattle Seahawks, 5th Round
DL, Jamiyus Pittman – Miami Dolphins
OL, Aaron Evans – Philadelphia Eagles
TE, Jordan Franks – Cincinnati Bengals
DL, Tony Guerad – Jacksonville Jaguars
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