Knights Add 15 Transfers to 2024 UCF Football Roster

Former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started 36 games and threw for 7,911 yards and 67 touchdowns over five seasons for the Razorbacks, headlines a list of 15 football players who have transferred to UCF, enrolled for the 2024 spring semester and will take part in the Knights’ 2024 spring drills. 

The group includes four defensive backs and linebackers, two offensive linemen, a quarterback, a tight end, a running back, a wide receiver and a defensive end.

Five players come from Florida (Sanford, Jacksonville, Lauderhill, Mount Dora and Rockledge), three from Georgia, two from Ohio—while one each comes from Michigan, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. 

Here are the 15 UCF additions:

Xe’ree Alexander	LB	6-2	215	Auburn, WA (Kennedy Catholic/Idaho)
Ethan Barr	LB	6-3	245	Flower Mound, TX (Marcus/Vanderbilt)
Jabari Brooks	OL	6-3	335	Sandersville, GA (Washington County/Samford)
Zavier Carter	DE	6-4	210	Atlanta, GA (Hapeville Charter Academy/LSU/UNLV)
Wes Dorsey	OL	6-7	315	Knoxville, TN (Grace Christian Academy/Western Kentucky)
Daylan Dotson	DE	6-3	255	Savannah, GA (Jenkins/Tennessee-Martin)
Antione Jackson	DB	6-1	175	Lauderhill, FL (Dillard/East Carolina)
KJ Jefferson	QB	6-3	247	Sardis, MS (North Panola/Arkansas)
Goldie Lawrence	WR	6-0	193	Sanford, FL (Seminole/Florida State)
Myles Montgomery	RB	5-11	205	Jacksonville, FL (Fletcher/Cincinnati)
Evan Morris	TE	6-5	245	Elsie, MI (Ovid-Elsie/Michigan State)
Deshawn Pace	DB	6-2	212	Cincinnati, OH (Colerain/Cincinnati)
Jesiah Pierre	LB	6-2	240	Mount Dora, FL (Mt. Dora Christian Academy/Texas Tech)
Ladarius Tennison	DB	5-10	195	Rockledge, FL (Rockledge/Auburn/Ole Miss)
Bryon Threats	DB	5-10	195	Columbus, OH (Coffman/Cincinnati)

 

--Alexander, Xe’ree, LB, 6-2, 215, Auburn, WA (Kennedy Catholic/Idaho)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings a season of collegiate experience with him from Idaho where he led team in tackles as freshman.

2023 at Idaho

Paced Idaho in tackles as true freshman with 75 to go with four tackles for loss for 13 yards, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery . . . played in all 13 games, starting the last six, as Vandals finished 9-4 while advancing to second round of NCAA FCS playoffs. . . . earned honorable mention All-Big Sky recognition . . . a Freshman All-American by FCS Football Central . . . blocked a field goal and made 10 tackles in FCS playoff win vs. Southern Illinois . . . helped Idaho rank 14th in FCS total defense in 2023 (306.8 yards per game) . . . made season-high 13 tackles at Northern Colorado . . . added nine at Weber State and eight vs. Idaho State . . . had three TFL for 10 yards at Northern Colorado . . . forced fumbles came at Nevada and vs. Southern Illinois and fumble recovery came vs. Nevada. 

High School

First-team all-state player for Washington 4A state runner-up Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, Washington (Seattle area) . . . North Puget Sound League Defensive Player of Year while scoring two defensive touchdowns and making 115 tackles . . . rushed for 930 yards and 18 TDs on 108 carries as senior in 2022 . . . earned Tacoma News Tribune 2022 All-Area honors. 

Personal

Brother Lonyatta Alexander Jr. played wide receiver at Arizona State in 2021, Washington in 2022 and Montana State in 2023. 

--Barr, Ethan, LB, 6-3, 245, Flower Mound, Texas (Marcus/Vanderbilt)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings a season of collegiate experience with him from Vanderbilt where he was fourth on the team in tackles last season.

2023 at Vanderbilt

Team captain … College Sports Communicators Academic All-District … Started all 12 games, recording a sack, 3.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble … Fourth on the team with 55 tackles, made at least two tackles in every game … SEC Community Service Team … Wuerffel Trophy Nominee … William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist … Made a season best and team high tying nine tackles at UNLV … Represented team at 2023 SEC Media Days in Nashville … Wuerffel Trophy Watch List … Named to preseason Shrine Bowl 1000

2022 at Vanderbilt

Team captain … Named to SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll … Played in all 12 games with 42 tackles, 2.0 for loss … Had at least one tackle in every game … Made at least five tackles in five games … Posted a season-best six tackles against Elon

2021 at Vanderbilt

Named to SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll … Led all SEC linebackers in interceptions (three) … Second on the team with 85 total tackles (44 solo) … Four break-ups and two quarterback hurries … Twice made a career-best 11 tackles

2020 at Vanderbilt

Played in all nine games and started three, at Mississippi State, at Missouri and versus Tennessee … 37 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss … Among SEC freshmen, third in tackles/game (4.1) … Three games with six or more tackles … Four tackles versus Ole Miss, including first career tackle for loss … Six tackles versus Mississippi State in first career start … Personal-best, and team-leading, 10 tackles at Missouri … Seven tackles against Tennessee … First‐Year SEC Academic Honor Roll

High School

Three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN … Three-year starter for Dallas-Fort Worth metro public power … Two-time defensive captain … Physical inside linebacker who accumulated more than 300 tackles in prep career … Led team to 11-2 season, district title and third round of Texas 6A state playoffs as a senior … 107 solo tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and scored four touchdowns as a senior

--Brooks, Jabari (juh-BAR-ee), OL, 6-3, 335, Sandersville, GA (Washington County/Samford)

Announced plans in December 2023 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 31 career starting assignments to UCF offensive line after playing more than 2,500 career snaps (split between center and left guard) at Samford.

2023 at Samford

Started 11 games as redshirt junior . . . helped team win five of its last seven games, including victory over 19th-ranked Tennessee-Martin . . . first-team all-conference offensive line by both Southern Conference coaches and SoCon Sports Media Association . . . helped Sanford rank second in SoCon in scoring, total offense and passing offense. 

2022 at Samford

Started all 13 games as redshirt sophomore along offensive line for Southern Conference champions (11-1 overall, 8-0 in league play) . . . helped Samford earn number-six national seed in NCAA Division I playoffs . . . second-team all-conference offensive line by both Southern Conference coaches and SoCon Sports Media Association.

2021 at Samford 

Played in nine games, starting seven times, as redshirt freshman . . . named to Southern Conference All-Freshman team . . . primary starting left guard throughout season. 

2020 at Samford

Played in four games on offensive line in 2020 season that was moved to spring 2021 due to Covid . . . played against East Tennessee State, Wofford, The Citadel and Mercer.

High School

Played both offensive line and defensive line at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia, as three-year starter . . . named team captain as both junior and senior . . . helped 2018 team to 10-3 mark and Georgia playoff quarterfinals as junior . . . earned Most Outstanding Player award and Student-Athlete award . . . president of senior class.

Personal

Father Willie Kelly Brooks played fullback at Auburn from 1988-92 and was member of Southeastern Conference championship teams in 1988 and 1989 . . . brother Karekin played running back at Penn (2016-19)  . . . brother Kelly played defensive end at Mercer (2012-16) . . . brother Djimon played defensive line at Georgia Tech (2017-2022), was team captain as senior, earned honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and spent 2023 campaign as assistant football coach at Sewanee.

 

--Carter, Zavier, LB, 6-4, 210, Atlanta, GA (Hapeville Charter Academy/LSU/UNLV)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 29 games of collegiate experience from one season at UNLV after two others at LSU.

2023 at UNLV

Played in 11 games, making 14 tackles, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and forcing one fumble . . . made three tackles each vs. Bryant and UTEP . . . recoded two tackles each vs. Nevada (his one start of season) and Wyoming . . .  had sacks vs. UTEP and Hawaii . . . forced a fumble vs. Hawaii . . . enrolled at UNLV in January and competed in 2023 spring practices with Rebels . . . helped Rebels to 9-5 record including appearances in Mountain West Conference Championship Game vs. Boise State and Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. Kansas.

2022 at LSU

Played in 11 games for Tigers and totaled five tackles . . . recorded first collegiate sack in victory over Purdue in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl . . . recorded one tackle each vs. Auburn and Texas A&M . . . added a tackle and a forced fumble vs. Southern.

2021 at LSU

Appeared in seven games as true freshman . . . saw extended time in 2022 Texas Bowl when he recorded four tackles (three solo, one tackle for loss) vs. Kansas State.

High School

Graduate of Hapeville Charter Academy in Atlanta area in 2021 . . . one of best at his position in Georgia as senior under coach Winston Gordon . . . ranked as No. 19 overall prospect in Georgia by 247Sports . . . listed as four-star outside linebacker by both 247Sports and Rivals . . . rated No.15 at his position by 247Sports and Rivals . . . accumulated 74 tackles (57 solo) and seven sacks as senior . . . earned Sports Illustrated All-America recognition.

 

--Dorsey, Wes, OL, 6-7, 315, Knoxville, TN (Grace Christian Academy/Western Kentucky)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 42 games of collegiate experience and 17 career starts from five seasons at Western Kentucky.

2023 at Western Kentucky

Played in all 13 games, starting 11 times . . . helped Hilltoppers to 8-5 mark including 38-35 win over Old Dominion in Famous Toastery Bowl that marked fourth-largest comeback in college football bowl history based on 28-point deficit . . . helped Western Kentucky lead Conference USA and rank 15th nationally in passing (296.4 yards per game) . . . played key role in team rating ninth nationally in fewest sacks allowed (second in C-USA).

2022 at Western Kentucky

Appeared in 11 of 14 games as redshirt sophomore and made six starts after injury inserted him into starting lineup at right tackle . . . made first career start in rivalry win at Middle Tennessee . . . helped lead offensive line that gave up only 14 sacks all season, 10th best mark in college football and second in C-USA.

2021 at Western Kentucky

Played in six games as redshirt freshman during run to C-USA East Division Championship . . . helped protect C-USA MVP and NCAA record-setting quarterback Bailey Zappe (now with New England Patriots), as Western Kentucky allowed only 17 sacks, 12th best in college football and second in C-USA. 

2020 at Western Kentucky

Played in nine games, primarily on special teams protection units . . . retained redshirt freshman year of eligibility due to Covid.

2019 at Western Kentucky

Redshirted in true freshman season.

High School

Played for coach Rusty Bradley at Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee, leading Rams to second round of Tennessee Division II-AA playoffs as junior in 2018 . . . named 2019 Tennessee Sports Writers Association Division II-AA all-state player as senior . . . rated three-star player with 80 composite score by 247Sports . . . ranked 75th overall in state and 206th nationally as offensive tackle.

 

--Dotson, Daylan, DE, 6-3, 255, Savannah, GA (Jenkins/Tennessee-Martin)

Announced plans in December 2023 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 39 games of collegiate experience and 119 career tackles as two-year starter and FCS first-team All-American at Tennessee-Martin.

2023 at Tennessee-Martin

Buck Buchanan Award Finalist as senior in 2023 . . . Phil Steele FCS All-America first-team selection . . . Associated Press FCS All-America second-team pick . . . FCS Football Central All-America second-team selection . . . Big South-OVC Football Association first-team all-league pick . . . Phil Steele Big South-OVC Defensive Player of the Year . . . Phil Steele All-OVC first team . . . started all 11 games as senior defensive lineman . . . made 51 tackles, 27 solo . . . made 19.5 tackles for loss (fourth in FCS) for 82 yards and seven sacks for 47 . . . broke up seven passes and forced a fumble and recovered one fumble . . . made season-high 10 tackles vs. Missouri State and seven TFL and two sacks vs. 25th-rated Eastern Illinois . . . had at least two tackles for loss in six games, including four vs. Eastern Illinois . . . helped team to 8-3 record and share of Ohio Valley Conference crown for third straight league title (two shared, one outright) . . . ranked second in TFL and seventh in sacks in OVC . . . helped UT-Martin lead OVC in rush defense at 97.4 yards per game.   

2022 at Tennessee-Martin

All-OVC first-team selection as junior . . . earned AFCA All-America honors (second team) . . . named HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American . . . named to The Bluebloods all-conference first team . . . all-conference first-team pick by Phil Steele . . . named OVC Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 30) and Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 1) . . . started all 11 games for Skyhawks on defensive line . . . helped team to 2022 OVC championship . . . made 48 tackles, including 18 solos and 30 assists . . . notched 14.5 tackles for loss totaling 85 yards and 9.5 sacks . . . forced five fumbles, including season-best two at Houston Christian . . . tallied 15 quarterback hurries, including season-best four vs. Tennessee Tech and Eastern Illinois . . . ranked among FCS leaders in forced fumbles (first), sacks (ninth), fumbles recovered (14th) and tackles for loss (20th) . . . led OVC in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (9.5) . . . tallied season-best 14 tackles – including 2.5 tackles for loss – vs. Kennesaw State . .  Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week after tallying five tackles, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries – including one recovered for a touchdown – vs. Houston Christian . . . notched multiple tackles for loss vs. Boise State, Lindenwood, Houston Christian, Kennesaw State and Eastern Illinois.

2021 at Tennessee-Martin

Played in 11 games for Skyhawks as sophomore on defensive line . . . helped team to OVC championship and second-round appearance in NCAA Division I playoffs . . . made 15 tackles, including seven solos and eight assists . . . notched 2.5 tackles for loss for seven yards . . . made 1.5 sacks for five yards vs.  Tennessee State . . . tallied season-high five tackles vs. Tennessee Tech . . . recovered fumble vs. Tennessee State.

 
2020 at Tennessee-Martin

Played in four games for Skyhawks as freshman on defensive line as fall season was pushed to spring 2021 due to Covid . . . made five assisted tackles and one tackle for loss for one yard . . . recorded half tackles for loss against 10th-ranked Jacksonville State and Tennessee State . . . posted season-high three tackles against Jacksonville State . . . blocked field-goal attempt vs. Austin Peay . . . named to OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll . . . named to Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for both fall and spring semesters.

High School

Played at Jenkins High School in Savannah, Georgia, for coach Jason Cameron . . . made 121 career tackles, including 27 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks . . . forced 10 fumbles while recovering seven in 35 career games . . . made 73 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss as senior while forcing seven fumbles and recording five recoveries . . . named to Georgia Region 3-AAA second-team defense . . . ranked in South Georgia Top 100 prospect rankings.

--Jackson, Antoine, DB, 6-1, 175, Lauderhill, FL (Dillard/East Carolina)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings three career starts and 10 collegiate appearances from his one season at East Carolina

2023 at East Carolina

Named to Pro Football Focus Week 9 Defensive Team of Week for his play vs. UTSA . . . played in final 10 games and started three (Gardner-Webb, Rice, SMU) . . . made 19 tackles, one interception and three pass break-ups . . . logged three tackles (two solo) at Appalachian State . . . notched first career interception vs App State . . . made first career start vs, Gardner-Webb . . . logged team- and career-high seven tackles (four solo) at Rice . . . had two solo tackles at UTSA plus two pass breakups . . . credited with three tackles (one solo) and a pass breakup at Florida Atlantic . . . helped team finish third in total defense in American Athletic Conference. 

High School

Helped head coach Tyler Tate and Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to 23-6 three-year record . . . two-sport athlete for Panthers (football, track and field) . . . helped Panthers posted 7-4 record as senior . . . part of defensive unit that allowed just 16.2 points per game two shutouts (didn’t give up more than 10 points in five contests) . . . reclassified to 2023 in late October . . . scored a two TDs to go along with 13 pass breakups and two forced fumbles . . . earned Broward County Super 11 honors prior to start of junior season . . . as sophomore in 2021 made 31 tackles and picked off four passes . . . earned first-team All-Broward County 8A-6A honors from Florida Sun-Sentinel . . . helped Dillard to 10-2 record  . . . member of defensive squad that held opponents to 84 points (7.0 ppg) with eight shutouts . . .  became highest-ranked prospect in program history in online recruiting rankings era (since 2000) . . . consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports Composite, ESPN and Rivals . . . listed as 19th-best safety nationally by 247Sports Composite . . . rated by ESPN 11th positionally and 40th in Florida) . . . listed No. 20 safety in nation by Rivals.

 

--Jefferson, KJ, QB, 6-3, 247, Sardis, MS (North Panola/Arkansas)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 36 career starts at quarterback at Arkansas, 7,911 career passing yards and 67 career passing touchdowns along with 1,876 career rushing yards and 21 career rushing scores to UCF quarterback room.

2023 at Arkansas

Started all 12 games at quarterback for Arkansas as redshirt senior, throwing for 2,107 yards and 19 TDs and rushing 161 times for 447 yards and two scores . . . just second three-time team captain in program history, joining Herbert Fishback (1895-97) . . . holds Arkansas career records for completions (626) , completion percentage (65.1), passing yards (7,911), passing TDs (67), total plays (1,481) and total TDs (88) . . . one of just three Arkansas quarterbacks to throw for 7,000 yards with 60 or more passing TDs (also Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson) . . . his completion percentage marks of 68.0 in 2022 and 67.3 in 2021 rank second and third in program history and his passing yardage marks from those two seasons also rank top 10 at Arkansas. . . finished 18 for 23 with 246 yards and three passing TDs along with one rushing score in season opening win vs. Western Carolina . . . completed first 12 passes vs. Western Carolina, making him first Razorback quarterback to complete first 12 passes of game since Brandon Allen went 14 for 14 to start vs. Texas A&M in 2015 . . . finished by completing 13 of 19 passes for 136 yards and two scores vs. Golden Flashes . . . finished 24-35-1, with 247 passing yards and a passing TD vs. BYU . . . completed 21 of 31 passing attempts for season-high 289 yards and three TDs at LSU . . . finished nine for 17 with 132 yards through air and one passing TD vs. Texas A&M . . . went 25-39-2 for 250 yards and two passing TDs vs. Ole Miss . . . completed 14 of 24 passes for 150 yards and two scores at Alabama . . . had 19 completions for 97 yards and carried 16 times for 38 yards vs. Mississippi State . . . completed 20 of 31 for 255 yards and two TDs vs. Florida . . .  added 17 carries for 92 yards and a score on ground vs. Gators . . . has thrown and rushed for a TD in a game 12 times in his career . . . completed 10 passes for 116 yards and ran 15 times for 50 yards vs.  Auburn . . . posted 11th career game with at least three passing TDs vs. Florida International . . . has 22 career games with multiple passing TDs . . . completed 15 of 28 passes for 187 yards and three TDs vs. Florida International . . . became school leader in passing yards (7,909) and passing TDs (67) vs. Florida International . . . Arkansas leader in touchdown responsibility with 88 (67 passing, 21 rushing) . . . in 2023 finale vs. Missouri was injured on 22-yard rush gain on Arkansas’ fourth play from scrimmage and missed rest of contest . . . completed both passes for two net yards and ran twice for 15.

2022 at Arkansas

Posted another career year as redshirt junior, despite missing pair of games due to injury as he continued his ascent up numerous all-time lists at Arkansas, starting 11 of 13 games . . . passed for 2,648 yards and 24 TDs with five interceptions, completing 204 of 300 passes to go with 640 yards rushing and nine TDs on 158 carries . . . completed 68.0% of his passes, surpassing his 2021 percentage (67.3%) for second all-time at Arkansas . . . passed for at least one TD in each of his 11 starts, including multiple TDs in eight games with a career-high five at BYU . . . ran for TD in each of first four games of season and added pair of two-TD games on ground vs. Auburn and Kansas (Liberty Bowl) . . . led team to season-opening win over Cincinnati,  going 18 for 26 for 223 yards and three scores to go with 62 yards rushing and another score . . . went an efficient 18 for 21 for 162 yards and one score through air in victory vs. South Carolina with an additional score on ground with 67 yards rushing . . . passed for career-high 385 yards on 19-of-31 passing in win over Missouri State with a TD pass and one rushing TD with 40 yards on nine carries . . . topped 100 yards rushing for first time with 105 on 18 carries vs. Texas A&M, passing for two TDs and 171 yards on 12-of-19 throwing . . . tossed one TD on 13-of-24 passing for 155 yards vs. Alabama . . . set career bests with five TD passes, 29 completions and 40 attempts with his fifth career 300-yard game going for 367 yards at BYU . . . five TD passes equaled third-most in single game in school history and most since Brandon Allen’s school-record seven in 2015 . . . ran for pair of scores and passed for third in victory at Auburn going 16 for 24 with 234 yards passing and 45 yards rushing on 10 carries . . . played hurt vs. Liberty, going 23 for 37 for 234 yards with one TD and career-high two interceptions . . . threw three TD passes in win over Ole Miss and ran for 47 yards, passing for 168 yards on 17 of 22 . . . recorded third straight game with two+ touchdown passes with pair at Missouri, going 20 for 27 for 212 yards with 38 yards rushing and a TD . . . named AutoZone Liberty Bowl MVP vs. Kansas after accounting for four total TDs (two rushing, two passing) and 417 total yards, including career-high 130 yards rushing in 55-53 triple OT win . . . passed for 287 yards on 19-of-29 throwing on way to earning second straight bowl game MVP and leading Arkansas to second consecutive bowl victory.

2021 at Arkansas 

Started all 13 games at quarterback as redshirt sophomore, completing 198 of 294 (67.3%) passes for 2,676 yards and 21 TDs . . . rushed for team-leading 664 yards on 146 carries (4.5 per carry) with six scores on ground . . . his 2,676 passing yards ranked ninth most in season in program history . . . wrote his name in Arkansas record book in numerous places: season completions (198 – 8th), game completion percentage minimum 20 passes (.826 – 3rd), season completion percentage (.673 – 2nd), season passing yards (2,676 – 7th), game TD passes (4 – T8th), season TD passes (21 – 7th) . . . finished third in SEC in average yards per completion (13.5) and in yards per pass attempt (9.1), ranking fourth in SEC and 10th among all FBS quarterbacks in passing efficiency (164.7) . . . ranked fourth in league in completion percentage (67.3%), second-best mark in single season in Arkansas history . . . owns highest single-season completion percentage in school history when attempting at least 250 passes . . . finished sixth in SEC in total offense, generating 256.9 total yards of offense per game . . . finished season as one of five FBS quarterbacks to total 20 or more TD passes with four or fewer interceptions . . . one of eight FBS quarterbacks with 2,500+ passing yards, 20+ passing TDs, 500+ rushing yards and 5+ rushing scores on the season . . . totaled three games with 300+ passing yards and at least three TD passes, becoming first Arkansas signal-caller to do so since Brandon Allen in 2015 . . . his three 300+ yard passing games were most for an Arkansas QB since Austin Allen produced four in 2016 . . . first Razorback quarterback to have multiple games with at least two rushing TDs in same season since 1997 . . . threw only four interceptions on year and completed 171 consecutive passes without an interception, second-longest streak in program history . . . totaled 89 yards on ground with two rushing TDs in season opener against Rice, also throwing for 128 yards and a TD on 12-of-21 (57.1%) passing . . . first Arkansas player to run for at least two TDs and throw for a TD in game since Rawleigh Williams did so vs. Mississippi State in 2014 . . . broke out for career-high 366 passing yards and three TDs on 13 completions vs. Georgia Southern, becoming only fifth FBS quarterback since 2000 to throw for over 365 yards on 13 or fewer completions . . . hooked up with Treylon Burks for 91-yard TD vs. Georgia Southern on second-longest TD pass in school history . . . completed 25 of 35 (71.4%) passes for 336 yards and three TDs while rushing for 85 yards and three scores in epic performance at Ole Miss,  accounting for six TDs (three passing, three rushing), second most in program history, in 52-51 defeat . . . became one of only six SEC signal-callers since 2000 to have thrown for three+ TDs and rushed for three+ scores in game, joining Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel, Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott, Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly, LSU QB Joe Burrow and Ole Miss QB Matt Corral . . . threw for career-best four TDs vs. UAPB, completing career-high 82.6% of his passes (19 of 23), third-highest single-game completion percentage in school history (minimum of 20 attempts), for 191 yards and a TD vs. Mississippi State . . . connected on 14 of 19 (73.7%) passes for 98 yards vs. Penn State in Outback Bowl with career-best 110 yards rushing and a TD on 20 carries, becoming first Arkansas quarterback to rush for over 100 yards in a game since Matt Jones totaled 126 yards on ground vs. Ole Miss in 2004 . . . earned Outback Bowl MVP honors for his performance, leading Arkansas to first bowl game win since 2016 Liberty Bowl and first New Year’s Day bowl game win since 2000 Cotton Bowl . . . helped power Razorbacks to nine-win season, their most wins in a year since 2011 (10 wins).

2020 at Arkansas

Played in five games, making one start as redshirt freshman as backup to Feleipe Franks . . . completed 20 of 41 (48.8%) passes for 295 yards and three TDs . . . rushed 28 times for 67 yards and scored two TDs . . . saw first action of season in second half of season opener vs. Georgia, playing nine snaps and completing one of two passes for three yards and rushing for 16 yards . . . played two snaps at Mississippi State, rushing twice . . .  scored first rushing TD of season on 12-yard run in fourth quarter at Florida, seeing action in nine snaps . . . made first start of year and set multiple career marks, completing 18 of 33 passes for 274 yards with three TDs and also ran 13 times for 32 yards and a TD at Missouri . . . completed first career TD pass in first quarter, a two-yard completion to tight end Blake Kern . . . hooked up with wide receiver Treylon Burks for 68-yard TD pass on longest throw of his career . . . registered most passing yards by a Razorback freshman quarterback since 2008 . . . became first Arkansas quarterback since 2010 to throw for at least 270 yards and three TDs while also rushing for a score . . . first Razorback quarterback to throw for two or more TDs and rush for a score in SEC play since 2017 . . . engineered an offense that posted 566 total yards, Arkansas’ highest total since 2016 . . . played career-high 87 snaps . . . played 21 snaps coming off bench in season finale vs. Alabama, completing one of six passes for 18 yards and rushing six times for 11 yards . . . according to Pro Football Focus, played 128 snaps and received 57.1 passing grade for season.

2019 at Arkansas

Played in three games, starting one, as true freshman for Razorbacks . . . appeared in games vs. Mississippi State and Western Kentucky, before making his first collegiate start at LSU . . . made collegiate debut vs. Bulldogs and immediately made his presence known, rushing for 21 yards on his first snap . . . after 32-yard pass to Treylon Burks, completed his first collegiate drive (four plays, 75 yards) with five-yard TD run . . . played 40 snaps vs. Western Kentucky, throwing for 60 yards on six-of-15 passing, while rushing for 32 yards on 16 carries, scoring on a two-yard run . . . started against top-ranked LSU, going seven of 14 for 105 yards passing in Baton Rouge.

High School

Four-star prep prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN . . . rated fourth-ranked dual-threat quarterback in country by 247Sports . . . slotted as 12th overall player in Mississippi by Rivals . . . placed in Rivals Top 250 at No. 248 . . . four-year varsity letterwinner in football and basketball at North Panola High School in Sardis, Mississippi . . . helped Cougars to Mississippi 3A semifinals, finishing 2018 campaign with 12-2 record . . . racked up 3,180 yards through air on 166 of 275 passing in 14 games for .604 completion percentage . . . averaged 227.1 yards per game, 19.2 per reception, with 37 passing TDs . . . second on team in rushing by 40 yards, carrying 115 times for 916 yards and seven TDs . . . played in 2018 Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star Game and played for USA Football in 2019 International Bowl . . . had back-to-back years throwing for 3,000+ yards, also doing so in 2017 . . . totaled 3,028 yards on 150 of 236 passing as starting QB for Cougars as junior . . . tossed 36 TDs and three interceptions for .636 completion percentage, averaging 216.3 yards per game . . . had career year on ground, rushing for 1,325 yards on 139 carries, scoring eight times--with six games over 100 yards rushing . . . dropped state semifinal game, completing 2017 with 13-1 mark . . . completed high school career with 40 wins, 9,582 passing yards, 2,922 rushing yards and 143 TDs, including 119 passing.

Personal

Full name is Kenneth Dewayne Jefferson Jr.

 

--Lawrence, Goldie, WR, 6-0, 193, Sanford, FL (Seminole/Florida State)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . played in one game at Florida State as true freshman in 2023.

2023 at Florida State

Appeared in one game during the season against Southern Miss

High School

 

--Montgomery, Myles, RB, 5-11, 205, Jacksonville, FL (Fletcher/Cincinnati)  

Announced plans in December 2023 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . played in 18 games at Cincinnati over 2021-23, rushing for 548 combined yards.

2023 at Cincinnati

Played in all 12 games, rushing 66 times for 428 yards (third on team) and three TDs and catching five passes for five yards . . . ran for season-high 103 yards on 10 carries with two TDs vs. Baylor including 38-yard gain . . . had 90 yards on eight attempts and a TD at Oklahoma State (all in first half) including season-long 63-yard run . . . ran career-high 12 times for 61 yards at BYU . . . added six carries for 16 yards vs. UCF.  

2022 at Cincinnati

Rushed 14 times for 120 yards and one score over six game appearances as redshirt freshman . . . also tallied one four-yard catch . . . sprinted to 76-yard TD vs. Kennesaw State en route to five-carry, 104-yard rushing performance . . . rushed for eight yards on four carries in Wasabi Fenway Bowl vs. Louisville. 

2021 at Cincinnati

Did not see game action as true freshman and was redshirted.

High School

Coached by Bobby Raulerson at Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, Florida . . . composite three-star recruit listed by 247Sports as No. 60 running back in 2021 class . . . rushed for more than 4,000 yards during prep career . . . tabbed as District 5 Florida Athletic Coaches Association 7A Player of the Year and first-team All-Gateway Conference selection as senior . . . as junior carried 200 times for 2,127 yards (most by a back in Duval County), 20 TDs and a 9.7 yards-per-carry average as Fletcher finished 6-4 . . . 2019 Florida Times-Union Offensive Player of the Year . . . ran for 190 yards and three TDs in Senators’ 2019 win over Creekside.

--Morris, Evan, TE, 6-5, 245, Elsie, MI (Ovid-Elsie/Michigan State)

Announced plans in December 2023 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . .  played in 28 career games at Michigan State as reserve tight end and kickoff specialist.

2023 at Michigan State

Played in all 12 games as redshirt senior, making four receptions for eight yards . . . originally a kickoff specialist before making position change to tight end in 2020 . . . has 15 career kickoffs for 882 yards (58.8 avg.).

2022 at Michigan State

Played in career-high 11 games to earn second letter as redshirt junior . . . earned Academic All-Big Ten accolades for third consecutive year . . . played 90 snaps on special teams units . . . recorded eight snaps at tight end.

2021 at Michigan State

Had four kickoffs for 223 yards vs. Penn State (55.8 avg.) in only appearance of redshirt sophomore season . . . named Academic All-Big Ten for second time.

2020 at Michigan State

Appeared in four games on special teams (20 plays) to earn first letter as redshirt freshman . . . made transition from kicker to tight end during preseason practices . . . Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

2019 at Michigan State

Appeared in two games (Western Michigan and Arizona State) as true freshman to preserve redshirt season . . . had 11 kickoffs for a 59.9-yard average with five touchbacks . . . recorded two kickoffs in Arizona State game with one touchback . . . made Spartan debut in Western Michigan game, booming nine kickoffs for a 60.4 average with four touchbacks . . . enrolled for 2019 spring semester and participated in spring practice.

High School

Ranked No. 18 punting prospect in nation by 247Sports and No. 20 by Kohl’s Kicking Camps . . . named best American roll-out punter in class of 2019 by Kohl’s . . . ranked among top kickers (No. 37) in nation at Kohl’s . . . played tight end and defensive end for coach Travis Long at Ovid-Elsie High School in Elsie, Michigan . . . earned first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state accolades as kicker as senior in 2018 . . . averaged 58.1 yards on kickoffs and with 31 touchbacks on 43 kickoffs . . . four of his nine punts landed inside 20 . . . was 25 of 28 on PATs and also made two field goals . . . had 16 catches for 340 yards and seven TDs as receiver . . . registered 45 tackles, including 10 for losses with six sacks, as defensive end . . . had interception return for TD and fumble recovery . . . picked up honorable mention all-state plaudits as junior . . . made 17 field goals during career, including two from 50+ yards . . . had 55 touchbacks combined his junior and senior years (49.6-yard avg.) . . . collected 206 career tackles on defense and 37 receptions for 619 yards and nine TDs on offense.

Personal

Graduated from Michigan State with bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in social science-social science education in May 2022 . . . had been pursuing master’s degree in sport coaching, leadership and administration at Michigan State.

 

--Pace, Deshawn (duh-SHAWN), DB, 6-2, 212, Cincinnati, OH (Colerain/Cincinnati)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 46 career game appearances at Cincinnati and 247 career tackles to UCF defensive backs room.

2023 at Cincinnati

Honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by league coaches as senior . . . finished his Cincinnati career with 247 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss (57 yards), three sacks (15 yards), six interceptions, 14 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks . . . led team with 80 tackles (11th in Big 12 at 7.3 per game) and added team-high 11 tackles for loss (18 yards) . . . also was second on Bearcats in passes broken up (6) and led in quarterback hurries (6) . . . started 11 games (all but Oklahoma) . . . led team in tackles in six games—with nine vs. BYU, 10 vs. Iowa State (then a career high), 11 vs. Baylor, nine vs. UCF, five vs. Houston (plus a TFL and interception) and career-high 12 vs. West Virginia . . . only full sack came vs. Baylor . . . had at least a half TFL in nine games, including 2.5 vs. Baylor and two vs. UCF . . . preseason All-Big 12 pick by Phil Steele and Athlon . . . transitioned to “star” linebacker/defensive back hybrid role in 2023.    

2022 at Cincinnati

Versatile junior linebacker who started eight games and appeared in all 13 contests . . . ranked fifth on Bearcats with 62 tackles . . . tallied five TFLs and had one sack, one fumble recovery and blocked one kick (vs. Kennesaw State) . . . had a TFL at Arkansas and vs. Kennesaw State to open season . . . made five stops vs. Indiana . . . tallied five tackles, one sack and made a goal-line interception at Tulsa . . . recorded seven tackles at SMU . . . tallied six stops with a half-TFL and fumble recovery at UCF . . . made season-high 10 tackles and had TFL vs. East Carolina . . . capped season with seven stops vs.  Louisville in Wasabi Fenway Bowl. 

2021 at Cincinnati

Dynamic sophomore defensive playmaker who finished sixth in conference and third on team with 94 tackles while also adding nine for loss and a team-high four interceptions . . . collected All-American Athletic Conference honorable mention notice . . . named AAC Defensive Player of the Week following Indiana game in which he had crucial interception and career-high 10 tackles . . . his field-goal block at Navy and subsequent return set up Alex Bales’ 52-yard field goal on next play to close first half . . . of his four interceptions, first was 39-yard return to set up icing TD late at Indiana, while another went for 27 yards into deep red zone at Notre Dame in following game . . . other interceptions were vs. UCF and South Florida . . . had nine tackles vs. Navy and eight vs. Miami and Temple . . . tallied nine tackles and a half-tackle for loss vs. No. 1 Alabama in College Football Playoff semifinal at Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

2020 at Cincinnati

Played in eight games during true freshman campaign . . . finished with 10 tackles and a forced fumble . . . tallied four tackles on two occasions, vs. Memphis and East Carolina . . . had two tackles in opener vs. Austin Peay . . . forced fumble vs. East Carolina on final play of game.

High School

Played for coach Shawn Cutright at Colerain High School in Cincinnati . . . composite three-star recruit was part of three Greater Miami Conference championship squads for Cardinals . . . high-school defensive back who projected to play strongside linebacker/sniper position at Cincinnati . . . three-time first-team All-GMC selection . . . named Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association first-team All-Ohio and first-team All-Southwest District as senior defensive back . . . OPSWA Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year as senior in 2019 for 11-2 Colerain squad . . . GMC Defensive Athlete of Year and first-team All-GMC honoree in 2019 . . . totaled 47 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble during senior campaign . . . had 36 tackles for Colerain’s state runner-up team as junior, along with a forced fumble, three recoveries (one for a TD) and a pair of interceptions . . . Colerain finished 14-1 in 2018 with lone defeat coming to St. Edward in Ohio Division I state-title game . . . earned first-team All-GMC honors as junior in 2018 . . . recorded 52 tackles and four picks as sophomore, earning first-team All-GMC accolades, as Colerain advanced to state playoff semifinals.

Personal

Graduated from Cincinnati in December 2023 with degree in interdisciplinary studies . . . brother Ivan Jr. was starting rookie free-agent linebacker in 2023 for NFL Minnesota Vikings (he finished fourth on team in tackles) after earning unanimous first-team All-America honors at Cincinnati in 2022 and previously starting at Miami (Ohio) in 2019-21.

 

--Pierre, Jesiah (juh-SIGH-uh), LB, 6-2, 240, Mount Dora, FL (Mt. Dora Christian Academy/Florida/Texas Tech)

Announced plans in January 2024 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . . brings 34 career game appearances at Texas Tech and 133 career tackles to UCF linebacker room.

2023 at Texas Tech

Honorable mention All-Big 12 pick at linebacker as senior by vote of league coaches . . . returned to inside linebacker slot, position he played two seasons at Florida and in high school, after playing outside linebacker for first time in his career in 2022 . . . played in 11 games, starting seven times . . . ranked fourth in tackles with 66, to go with 1.5 TFL, half a sack, one quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery . . . had team-high 13 stops in regular-season finale at Texas . . . tallied career-high and team-leading 14 tackles in first start of season at Wyoming . . . also had team-best 12 tackles vs. West Virginia, seven vs. Kansas State . . . helped team to 7-6 record following 34-14 Independence Bowl win vs. California.

2022 at Texas Tech

Emerged as Texas Tech defensive standout as junior . . . appeared in all 13 games with 10 starts at outside linebacker . . . recorded 40 tackles (24 solo), including 7.0 for loss and 4.5 sacks . . . had one pass breakup, a forced fumble and three quarterback hurries . . . entire tackle for loss and sack totals came during Big 12 play . . . notched at least one tackle in 11 of 13 games and had multiple stops in 10 of those contests . . . eighth on team in total tackles and second in outside linebackers room . . . fourth overall for tackles for loss and third for sacks . . . credited with 622 defensive snaps which led outside linebackers . . . limited to five tackles over first four games of the season, all in non-conference play with three vs. Murray State and two at NC State . . . made first tackle in league play with one stop at Kansas State … notched first sack of season at Oklahoma State as part of five tackles . . . followed with two tackles and pass breakup in win over West Virginia and then five stops in back-to-back games vs. Baylor and at TCU . . . TCU performance might have been his best of season, featuring career-high 2.5 tackles for loss as well as 1.5 sacks . . . set career high with seven tackles in win over Kansas, which included another career mark with two sacks . . . helped seal victory over Jayhawks with strip sack of Kansas quarterback that was recovered and returned inside 10-yard line . . . came close to matching career high total for tackles at Iowa State, finishing one shy with six . . . had 1.5 tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry in win over Cyclones . . . delivered key three-yard loss on fourth-and-one play from Red Raiders’ own two-yard line . . . closed season with two tackles in both regular-season finale vs. Oklahoma and in TaxAct Texas Bowl win over Ole Miss . . . first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree.

2021 at Texas Tech

Showed his potential as sophomore linebacker in debut season as Red Raider . . . appeared in 11 games with three starts, all during Big 12 play . . . finished with 27 tackles overall (15 solo) . . . bulk of tackles came over front half of the season after recording 21 in first six games . . . missed two games late in season due to injury . . . appeared in 239 snaps defensively and 93 on special teams . . . member of kickoff return unit and also saw time as part of kickoff coverage and field-goal block units . . . opened Red Raider career by making five tackles, including one assisted stop that went for loss, in come-from-behind victory over Houston . . . combined for six stops over two remaining non-conference games with two vs. Stephen F. Austin and four vs. Florida International . . . opened Big 12 play with two tackles at Texas and three at West Virginia . . . put together his best performance of season vs. TCU, setting career high with six tackles, included an assisted tackle for loss . . . TCU game was second of three consecutive starts at linebacker, which covered West Virginia and Kansas wins as well . . . notched two tackles at Oklahoma and then his final three vs. Oklahoma State . . . injury forced him out of final two wins of year vs. Iowa State and then Mississippi State in AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

2020 at Florida

Appeared in 13 games over his time in Gainesville, totaling eight tackles during redshirt freshman season . . . made career-high four tackles in win at Vanderbilt, which included shared takedown for four-yard loss . . . also had tackles at Missouri and Tennessee and two vs. Kentucky. 

2019 at Florida

Redshirted after playing in two games as true freshman . . . made appearances against both UT-Martin and Towson . . . tabbed to Southeastern Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll.

High School

Attended Mount Dora Christian Academy in Mount Dora, Florida . . . played on both sides of ball during prep career . . . Defensive Player of the Year by Leesburg Daily Commercial following both junior and senior seasons . . . compiled 131 tackles and 4.5 sacks in freshman and sophomore seasons alone . . .  helped lead school to 2018 Sunshine State Athletic Conference semifinal game and quarterfinal round in 2017 . . . two-time state champion in discus as sophomore and junior . . . consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports . . . No. 40 outside linebacker in his class according to Rivals . . . No. 64 outside linebacker in country and No. 94 player in Florida by 247Sports . . . ranked No. 2 player in Orlando Sentinel Super60 of Central Florida athletes.

Personal

Older brothers Jeremiah and Jasper both played football collegiately at junior college and NAIA levels . . . earned bachelor's degree in university studies from Texas Tech in December 2022 . . . a Haitian- American whose mother is native of Haiti.

 

--Tennison, Ladarius, DB, 5-10, 200, Rockledge, FL, (Rockledge/Auburn/Ole Miss)

Announced plans in January to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills

2023 at Ole Miss

Named an All-SEC Special Teamer of the Year and All-SEC First-Team Specialist by College Football Network … Finished the season with 40 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks … vs. Mercer (9/2/23): Made one solo tackle for a loss of four yards ... at #22 Tulane (9/9/23): Made two tackles, both solo, in 23 total snaps ... vs. Georgia Tech (9/16/23): Appeared in 38 total snaps, tallying three total tackles (two solo) and a QB hurry ... at #12 Alabama (9/23/23): Saw action on 32 total snaps, tallying three tackles and first sack of the season ... vs. #12 LSU (9/30/23): Appeared in 33 defensive snaps and made two tackles (one solo) ... vs. Arkansas (10/7/23): Saw action on 25 total snaps ... at Auburn (10/21/23): Appeared on 41 total snaps ... Rated as the top special teams player per PFF (93.7) ... vs. Vanderbilt (10/28/23): Played 49 defensive snaps, tallying five total tackles (two solo) and a QB hurry ... vs. Texas A&M (11/4/23): Recorded seven total tackles (six solo) in 75 total snaps ... at #1 Georgia (11/11/23): Notched three solo tackles in 53 total snaps ... vs. ULM (11/18/23): Started at linebacker, tallied six total tackles (three solo), 1.5 TFL, one half sack and one QB hurry in 42 total snaps ... Rated as Ole Miss’ top defender by PFF at 81.3 grade

2022 at Ole Miss

Appeared in all 13 games with eight starts in the Ole Miss secondary … Tallied 54 total tackles and a team-high 10 tackles for loss … Registered two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups … vs. Troy (9/3/22): Saw seven snaps of action playing on the Rebels’ special team units, primarily playing on the team’s punt return unit ... vs. Central Arkansas (9/10/22): Racked up three total tackles, one TFL and one sack along with returning a fumble 25 yards for an Ole Miss touchdown on special teams ... at Georgia Tech (9/17/22): Started at strong safety for the Rebels, helping to bring in half of a TFL on the stat sheet ... vs. Tulsa (9/24/22): Made a career-high and team-high 12 total tackles against the Golden Hurricane as the starting slot corner ... vs. #7 Kentucky (10/1/22): Finished the day with one tackle, with that tackle being for a loss in the team’s 22-19 win ... at Vanderbilt (10/8/22): Finished with two tackles, one TFL, one fumble recovery and a pass breakup after getting the start at safety ... vs. Auburn (10/15/22): Made a total of seven tackles as a starting safety for the Rebels, including 1.5 TFLs ... at LSU (10/22/22): Ended his day with two tackles as a rotational safety ... at Texas A&M (10/29/22): Made four tackles after getting the start at safety for the Rebels, including one TFL ... vs. #9 Alabama (11/12/22): Notched four tackles for the Rebel secondary against the Crimson Tide ... at Arkansas (11/19/22): Rotated into the Rebel secondary to record four total tackles on the night, including a season-high two TFLs against the Razorbacks ... vs. Mississippi State (11/24/22): Logged three total tackles for the Rebels on Thanksgiving, including a pair of solo tackles … vs. Texas Tech (12/28/22): Earned the start in the secondary and tallied seven total tackles … Transfer who arrived on campus in January and participated in spring drills.

2021 at Auburn

Was a key contributor on special teams as a hard-hitting tackler ... Appeared in 21 games in two seasons with the Tigers ... Recorded a career-best nine tackles, including 2.5 for a loss against Mississippi State (11/13) ... Played in every game as a true freshman, seeing action in the secondary and deep on kick returns.

High School

Rated a four-star prospect out of Rockledge by all major recruiting sites ... Under Armour All-American ... Member of the ESPN 300, checking in at No. 140 ... Ranked as the No. 4 athlete in the country by 247Sports and ESPN ... Also listed as the 23rd-best player in the state of Florida by ESPN ... Played both sides of the ball, lining up at safety and as a running back ... Rushed for over 1,700 yards in his final two seasons, while recording 98 tackles, including 24.0 for a loss as a senior ... Impacted the game, making 17 sacks and picking off three passes ... Totaled nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards in his final two years at Rockledge ... Finished his high school career with 222 total tackles ... Named Space Coast Daily Player of the Year ... Also lettered in track and field.

Personal

Son of Turkessa Robinson ... Full name is Ladarius Stephan Tennison ... Born Jan. 31, 2001 ... Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in fall 2022 … Multi-disciplinary studies major.

 

--Threats (rhymes with sweats), Bryon, DB, 5-10, 195, Columbus, OH (Coffman/Cincinnati)

Announced plans in December 2023 to transfer to UCF, enroll for 2024 spring semester and participate in 2024 UCF spring football drills . . .  brings 37 career game appearances at Cincinnati (including College Football Playoff in 2021) and 123 career tackles to UCF defensive backs room.

2023 at Cincinnati

Made 57 tackles (second on team) and three tackles for loss in nine starts (12 games played) as junior . . . had team-leading nine stops at Oklahoma State, seven at Pitt, six each vs. Miami (Ohio), Iowa State and West Virginia . . . made three stops and half a TFL vs. UCF . . . forced a fumble vs. Oklahoma . . . lone sack came for five yards vs. Miami (Ohio) . . . had team-leading two interceptions (39 return yards) and eight passes defensed—with one interception vs. Eastern Kentucky and one for 33 yards vs. Miami (Ohio). 

2022 at Cincinnati

Played in all 13 games as sophomore with 10 starts, recording 58 tackles, four TFLs and two interceptions . . . earned first career start at Arkansas, making six tackles . . . totaled nine tackles and recorded first career interception vs. Indiana . . . tallied seven stops and half-sack at Tulsa and made three stops at SMU . . .  totaled eight tackles at UCF and six tackles vs. East Carolina . . . had interception at Temple.
2021 at Cincinnati
Appeared in 12 games as true freshman during Cincinnati’s run to College Football Playoff . . . totaled eight tackles and one pass breakup . . . had season-high two tackles vs. both South Florida and SMU . . . recorded his one PBU versus Mustangs . . . tallied one stop vs. Houston in American Athletic Conference championship game . . . logged action vs. No. 1 Alabama in CFP semifinal at Goodyear Cotton Bowl.

High School

Coached by Mark Crabtree at Dublin Coffman High School outside of Columbus, Ohio . . . 247 Sports rated him composite three-star recruit who ranked No. 18 player in Ohio . . . 2020 Division I first-team All-Ohio and first-team All-District selection . . . played running back, slot receiver, cornerback and strong safety . . . helped Shamrocks to 8-1 mark in 2020, with lone loss coming to Olentangy Liberty in season finale . . . ran for 1,124 yards and had 402 receiving yards as senior with 22 combined TDs . . . rushed for 225 yards and five TDs in 2020 first-round playoff win vs. Beavercreek . . . gained 192 yards on ground in second-round victory vs. Springboro . . . 2020 Ohio Capital Conference Central Offensive Player of Year . . . third-team All-Ohio Division I as junior in 2019 while helping Coffman to playoff regional final . . . rushed for combined 415 yards and three TDs to go with 157 yards and one TD receiving in three playoff games in 2019 . . . played at Mifflin High School in Columbus as freshman.