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.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
While the Knights lost First Team All-AAC cornerback Mike Hughes to the NFL Draft, there was plenty of experience gained in the UCF secondary from 2017's historic season.
First team All-Conference safety Kyle Gibson is poised to lead the secondary as a redshirt senior. Gibson tallied 64 tackles and was tied for the team lead with four interceptions last year. Starting all 13 games, he also forced a fumble, recovered two and broke up four passes.
Tre Neal, Antwan Collier and Richie Grant all played major roles at safety as well in 2017. Neal ranked fourth on the team with 68 tackles, and had three interceptions, including the game-clincher in The American Championship. Collier and Grant combined for 50 tackles, both forced one fumble, and Collier recorded the final interception of the season in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Cornerbacks Brandon Moore and Nevelle Clarke gained valuable starting experience a year ago.
Clarke has seen action in 17 games during his first two seasons as a Knight, tallying five pass break-ups and one interception. The junior has also recorded a total of 40 tackles. Moore started the first seven games of 2017 and saw action in all 13 as a redshirt freshman. He ranked No. 2 on the team with eight pass break-ups, while also grabbing one interception.
Rashard Causey and Keenan Johnson provide valuable experience and depth at cornerback, while Alabama transfer Aaron Robinson will play this season after sitting out due to NCAA transfer rules last year.
PREVIOUS PREVIEWS
July 2 - Receivers/Tight Ends
July 4 - Defensive Line
July 6 - Running Backs
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.