By Mark Pszonak
Gus Malzahn has always been very aggressive in the transfer portal. This offseason was no different for the UCF head coach, as he signed players like QB KJ Jefferson, RB Peny Boone, DE Nyjalik Kelly and LB Deshawn Pace, who will understandably receive most of the publicity this season. However, three FCS transfers on the defensive side of the ball have also quickly established themselves as vital pieces of the unit.
The three, S Sheldon Arnold II (East Tennessee State), LB Xe’ree Alexander (Idaho) and DE Daylan Dotson (Tennessee-Martin) have helped the Knights to a quick 2-0 start as they prepare for their first Big 12 conference game of the season at TCU on Saturday night.
Headlining the trio is Arnold, a veteran who was a spring addition after an FCS All-American season when he finished with 87 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. A day one starter, Arnold has totaled three tackles and one interception, while helping solidify what is a promising secondary.
At linebacker, Alexander only played one season at Idaho, but immediately impressed with 75 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a true freshman. Now at UCF, and with at least two seasons of eligibility, Alexander has become an important part of the rotation while totaling eight tackles and one tackle for loss. His athleticism and big-play ability will only make him more valuable as the season progresses.
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And on the defensive line is Dotson, another 2023 FCS All-American who finished with 51 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season. Already with six tackles and three tackles for loss, he has proven himself as a versatile playmaker who belongs at the P4 level.
Now the question will be how the three adjust to P4 opposition, which fills out the remainder of the schedule. Overall, UCF is in a better position than last season, when they finished 6-7. On offense, the ground game is as explosive as advertised, while the defense has only given up 17 points. While tougher days are coming, expectations are high that the three FCS transfers will continue to thrive in the brighter spotlight. And credit has to be given to Coach Malzahn for this, as his eye for talent has given the Knights an unexpected boost in 2024.
