It’s July, which means that there will be college football games played next month. As the Knights continue to prepare for the upcoming 2019 campaign, which kicks off Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. from inside Spectrum Stadium, we will take a look at what UCF brings back and what fans of the Black and Gold have to look forward to this fall.
Returning Starters Out Wide
UCF returns both of its starting wide receivers in 2019, as junior Gabriel Davis and redshirt junior Tre Nixon return to the fold. They both played in all 13 games in UCF's successful 2018 campaign, combining for a total of 25 starts. The duo sport an impressive combination of strength, speed, athleticism and precision, showcased by 1,377 yards and 11 touchdowns on 93 catches a year ago.
Gabriel Davis, Junior | 6-3, 212
Stats: Caught 53 passes for 815 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 15.4 yards per reception
Note: Davis has taken on a number of leadership duties in the offseason, as the junior looks to lead the Knights offense back to prominence in 2019
Watch: With 11 career touchdown receptions, Davis needs just six as a junior to break into UCF's Top-10 all-time
Tre Nixon, r-Junior | 6-2, 180
Stats: Hauled in 40 receptions for 562 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging 14.1 yards per catch
Big Game: Nixon's highest output on the season was his first as a Knight, recording 101 yards on five catches with two scores at UConn
Shifty in the Slot
There will be no shortage of weapons again for the Knights in 2019. Otis Anderson, who was listed as both a running back and a receiver in 2018, returns to showcase his versatility in the backfield, the slot, or wherever else might make him effective. Anderson caught 16 balls for 230 yards and three scores a year ago, in addition to rushing for 275 yards and four touchdowns. Marlon Williams will also look to play an even larger role in 2019 after totaling 18 catches, 234 yards and one touchdown as a sophomore in 2018.
Watch the Highlights
Tight Squad
No, Michael Colubiale was not granted a seventh season with the Knights. The man who corralled the majority of the receptions for tight ends is no long on the squad, but fortunately the man who complimented Colubiale with his blocking ability at tight end is indeed back. Jake Hescock, who caught the first two receptions of his career late in the season, returns to lead an inexperience but talented group of tight ends. The 6-foot-7 Hescock scored on one of his two catches on the season, catching a four-yard touchdown in the American Athletic Conference Championship win over Memphis.
Other Receivers/Tight Ends Returning
- Ke'Von Ahmad: r-Freshman Wide Receiver
- Kyle Benkel: r-Junior Wide Receiver
- Jason Colubiale: r-Sophomore Wide Receiver (yes, he's Michael's cousin)
- Alex Harris: r-Junior Wide Receiver (6 catches for 80 yards in 2017)
- Jacob Harris: r-Senior Wide Receiver (53 yards and two TDs in Spring Game)
- Alec Holler: r-Freshman Tight End
- Jonathon MacCollister: r-Sophomore Tight End (transfer from Notre Dame)
- Jonathan Moore: r-Freshman Wide Receiver
- Anthony Roberson: r-Junior Tight End
- Tyler Williams: r-Sophomore Tight End
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Lost his voice. Earned a paddle!@DavisGB1 enjoyed his time with @theprogramorg ✊#ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/AHTdo8AWfc
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) May 14, 2019
Receiver Pics
The 2019 season gets started Aug. 29 when the Knights host Florida A&M at Spectrum Stadium. UCF will also play host to Stanford, UConn, ECU, Houston and South Florida as the Knights aim to win a third straight American Athletic Conference Championship and return to a New Year’s Six bowl for the third consecutive season.