2018 Preview - The football season is just around the corner. Leading into camp, fans will have an opportunity to get a look at what the Knights will have in store for the 2018 campaign with position-by-position previews. Watch highlights of returners and read up on what to expect this fall.
LINEBACKERS
Much like the defensive line, UCF's linebacking corps will have a slightly different look in 2018 due to graduation and flexibility in formations.
While Shaquem Griffin and Chequan Burkett are gone from last year's squad, there is plenty of talent returning at the second level of the defense.
Pat Jasinski, the Knights' leading tackler from last season, returns to anchor the linebacking corps. A senior, Jasinski will be looked to for leadership in the linebacker room and with the defensive unit as a whole. He racked up 104 stops in 2017. His 12 tackles-for-loss were No. 2 on the squad last season. Jasinski started all 13 games in 2017 and has seen action in all 38 games during his UCF career.
Senior Gabriel Luyanda saw action in all 13 games in his first season as a Knight during 2017. He totaled 29 tackles, including 4.5 TFLs and one sack.
Others who picked up valuable experience in 2017 and will be looked to for contribution this year include Nate Evans, Shawn Burgess-Becker and Eric Mitchell.
Evans saw action in 12 games with 24 total tackles. Burgess-Becker played in 12 contests with 15 total tackles and a pair of sacks. Mitchell played in nine contests and recorded 14 tackles.
Sterling Jones, Kalia Davis and Stephon Zayas each red-shirted in 2017 and will be looking for playing time this season.
Newcomers Eriq Gilyard and Randy Charlton could both make an impact at linebacker as true freshmen, as well.
PREVIOUS PREVIEWS
July 2 - Receivers/Tight Ends
July 4 - Defensive Line
July 6 - Running Backs
July 9 - Defensive Backs
July 11 - Quarterbacks
July 16 - Offensive Line
July 18 - Specialists
PURCHASE TICKETS
Season tickets are going fast for the highly anticipated 2018 campaign. Fans can purchase theirs today and learn about all their options by calling (407) 823-1000 or visiting us online at UCFKnights.com/createthefuture.