By Tony Thomas
The UCF Knights posted a 6-7 record in their first year of Big XII play, but three of those losses were by two points or less. The Knights did have a big win over a ranked opponent, a 45-3 destruction of then #15 ranked Oklahoma State.
UCF returns only 49% of their production from last season, but they return talent at the skill positions, specifically RB RJ Harvey (1,416 yards and 16 TDs) and wide receiver Kobe Hudson (44 catches, 900 yards, eight TDs) plus other starters and contributors on both sides of the ball.
In addition, head coach Gus Malzahn found some talent in the transfer portal, including three that will make an impact both in spring practice and in the fall.
With a favorable 2024 schedule that does NOT include Oklahoma, Texas, or Oklahoma State, the Knights gauntlet of opponents is a combined 59-65, with only Arizona, West Virginia, and Utah posting winning records in 2023. With that said, the idea of UCF representing the Big XII in the expanded college football playoff may not be that far-fetched.
LB Deshawn Pace
Previous School: Cincinnati Bearcats
6’2”, 212 lbs.
Playing a linebacker/safety “hybrid” position, Deshawn Pace totaled 80 tackles, one INT, 11 tackles for loss, six PBU’s, and one forced fumble. Pace recorded three games with double-digit tackles: 10 vs. Iowa State, 11 vs. Baylor, and 12 vs. West Virginia. For his collegiate career, Pace has 247 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, six INTs, three sacks, 14 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 46 games with the Bearcats.
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Pace brings experience, athleticism, and leadership to a UCF secondary that led the Big XII in pass defense, allowing opponents just 196 passing yards per game.
QB KJ Jefferson
Previous School: Arkansas Razorbacks
6’3”, 247 lbs.
A 3-year starter for the Razorbacks, KJ Jefferson averaged 66% completion percentage over that stretch. Last season, Jefferson passed for 2,107 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight INTs, completing 64% of his passes.
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In addition, Jefferson added 447 rushing yards and two TDs. For his collegiate career, Jefferson has totaled over 9,000 yards of total offense, passing for 7,923 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 18 INTs, rushing for 1,876 yards and 21 touchdowns.
For his size, Jefferson has shown the requisite athleticism to make plays with his legs as well as his arm and is the perfect quarterback to run Malzahn’s offense.
LB Nikhai Hill-Green
Previous School: Charlotte 49ers
6’2”, 232 lbs.
A 3rd Team All-AAC selection for the 49ers last season, Nikhai Hill-Green recorded 73 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Hill-Green posted three games of double-digit tackles: 11 against SMU, 11 against Tulsa, and 11 against Memphis.
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In 2020-2021, as a member of the Michigan Wolverines, Hill-Green racked up 51 tackles. With the Knights, Hill-Green will push for a starting job in a position of need.
