ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The first full weekend of preseason games in the NFL got started Thursday night and a number of former Knights impressed, including three rookies from last year’s 2017 squad. Jordan Akins, Shaquem Griffin and Tre’Quan Smith all had stellar NFL debuts.
Akins, who started in last night’s game against Kansas City, needed just two plays to make his splash. The Houston tight end hauled in two catches for 20 yards and two touchdowns as the Texans defeated the Chiefs 17-10.
BOOM! Jordan Akins making friends with the end zone for the @HoustonTexans in his first NFL game 🙌#BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/eZ9L8fLsiL
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 10, 2018
Griffin, the fifth round pick, subbed in at linebacker, and to no surprise of any UCF fan, led Seattle in tackles. The former AAC Defensive Player of the Year finished with nine total tackles, six solo tackles and one tackle-for-loss in a 19-17 loss to the Colts.
In his Seahawks debut, @Shaquemgriffin made his presence felt. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/575yWlvDAs
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 10, 2018
Smith, also starting in his first NFL game, led the Saints in receiving going up against a couple of former Knights on the Jaguars. Smith finished with four catches for 48 yards, as New Orleans won 24-20 over Jacksonville.
.@TreQuanSmithUCF out here FEASTING for the @Saints in his NFL debut 🙌🙌
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 10, 2018
This grab 😮#BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/XUL1gcaX6K
Another big-time receiver for the Knights had an impressive Thursday, as Breshad Perriman led the Ravens in receiving as Baltimore routed the Rams 33-7. Perriman caught three passes for 71 yards, including a 32-yard score.
THE CATCH...THE FOOTWORK! 🤭
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 10, 2018
🙌 @B_Perriman11 🙌#BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/oifooZAHhS
Finally, Blake Bortles had an efficient night in Week 1 of the preseason. The Blake of the Year went 6-of-9 for 53 yards through the air and rushed once for a two yard touchdown.
The ⛵️ will do it himself!
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 9, 2018
Bortles went 6/9 for 53 yds and that TD on the ground to start 2018 for the @Jaguars 👌 #BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/t8DQVS5hEC
Preseason Week 1
Kamar Aiken – Started vs. Steelers
Jordan Akins – Started, 2 catches for 20 yards and 2 TDs vs. Chiefs
Blake Bortles – 6-of-9 for 53 yards, 1 rush for 2 yards and 1 TD vs. Saints
A.J. Bouye – Started vs. Saints
Aaron Evans – Played vs. Steelers
Jordan Franks – 1 catch for 12 yards vs. Bears
Clayton Geathers – Did not play
Shaquill Griffin – Started, 1 pass break-up vs. Colts
Shaquem Griffin – 9 tackles, 6 solo, 1 TFL vs. Colts
Mike Hughes – 2 punt returns for 11 yards, 1 kick return for 16 yards, 2 tackles
Charley Hughlett – Played vs. Giants
Kemal Ishmael – Played vs. Jets
D.J. Killings – 2 tackles vs. Steelers
Brandon Marshall – Started vs. Colts
Justin McCray – Started vs. Titans
Latavius Murray – Started, 4 rushes for 43 yards vs. Broncos
T.J. Mutcherson – Played vs. Colts
Breshad Perriman – 3 catches for 71 yards and 1 TD vs. Rams
Jamiyus Pittman – 3 tackles vs. Bucs
Matt Prater – 1-for-1 on extra points vs. Raiders
Josh Robinson – Played vs. Dolphins
Josh Sitton – Started vs. Bucs
Tre'Quan Smith – Started, 4 catches for 48 yards vs. Jaguars
PURCHASE 2018 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 https://ucfknights.co/18fbtix.