Draft Scout Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20 Player News, College Football: Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20

Former UCF wide receiver Marlon Williams helped the Birmingham Stallions capture the inaugural USFL championship 33-30 over the Philadelphia Stars on Sunday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Williams, who played for UCF from 2017-20, caught 7 passes for a game-high 105 receiving yards, including a 41-yard touchdown reception in the first half. "It was really awesome to have a game like that," Williams told the Orlando Sentinel. "I expect that from myself every game. Anytime you're playing for a championship, it's a great opportunity." The long touchdown catch by Williams gave the Stallions a 17-9 lead with less than a minute to play in the second quarter. Birmingham led 20-9 at halftime following a field goal.

The Stars made it a one-possession game in the third quarter before eventually taking their first lead of the night when quarterback Case Cookus hit Devin Gray for a 12-yard catch in the end zone. Birmingham marched down the field with less than seven minutes remaining as quarterback Alex McGough connected with Williams twice on the late-game drive. The Stallions regained the lead, 26-23, with 3:16 left when McGough threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Victor Bolden Jr. Birmingham linebacker Scooby Wright sealed the comeback win for the Stallions by returning an interception for a touchdown with 2:53 left. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#37 WR) Sr/2021

WR Marlon Williams, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

07/01/22 - Nyjalik Kelly, rSr/2026, Central Florida, 6-5, 250 (DS#26 DE) + More +

Dolphins legend Jason Taylor doesn't often talk publicly in his new role as a defensive analyst on the Miami Hurricanes football staff. But when he does speak -- usually on his sister Joy's show or with his buddy and former Dolphins broadcast partner Joe Rose -- there's considerable insight. Appearing with Rose on WQAM in recent days, Taylor spoke of the upside of the two defensive line jewels in this incoming Hurricanes freshman class: four-star prospects Cyrus Moss and Nyjalik Kelly.

"We have a young guy on our team that couldn't play in the spring, a local guy out of Dillard named Nyjalik Kelly; he got hurt last year when we [St. Thomas Aquinas] beat Dillard last year," Taylor said, having worked on the Aquinas staff last year. "[He] didn't have a chance to go through spring and [I] didn't have a chance to see him and scout him a whole lot. But now that he is back healthy and I am able to watch him, holy [cow]! I told him the other day-and I actually told his mother-how special he can be. An elite talent, a kid that can do anything. "He can bend, he can run, he can twist, he's athletic, change of direction, plays with good pad level, he is flexible. He can be the entire package. The crazy thing is Nyjalik had a birthday a few days ago, just turned 18. Early enrollee. The sky is the limit for somebody like him." - Miami Herald

(DS#26 DE) rSr/2026

DE Nyjalik Kelly, Central Florida
News Source: Miami Herald
Share/Comment: Here

06/26/22 - KJ Jefferson, rSr/2025, Central Florida, 6-3, 247 (DS#999 QB) + More +

KJ Jefferson attending the Manning Passing Academy is a natural now. In three seasons at the University of Arkansas, he has gone from barely an afterthought to being considered one of the best two quarterbacks in the SEC and top 10 in the country. This is a young man who had zero college scholarship offers to play quarterback. He had offers, but he was seen more as a tight end. Under the teaching of Kendal Briles, Jefferson, who is 6-3, 245 pounds, has developed into a true dual threat. He could always run, and his throwing was OK, but now his passing is vastly improved.

The Manning Passing Academy is the premiere quarterback camp in the country and invitations are rarely turned down. There is a waiting list. The camp has been operating for more than a quarter of a century, and this year will be held today through Sunday at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. The only thing hotter than the weather will be the competition. This is a family-run camp with two-time Super Bowl champion quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning participating. The camp founder and leader is Archie Manning, who was a tremendous college quarterback that was drafted by the New Orleans Saints, known most of his playing time as the "Aints," because they were bad at almost every position but quarterback. - Northwest Arkansas Times

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2025

QB KJ Jefferson, Central Florida
News Source: Northwest Arkansas Times
Share/Comment: Here

06/25/22 - Alex Ward, rSr/2023, Central Florida, 6-4, 240 (DS#1 LS) + More +

UCF long snapper Alex Ward was named a preseason third-team All-American by the Phil Steele College Football Preview Magazine, which hits stores next week. While Ward is the only Knight to earn preseason All-American honors, he's one of 16 Knights named to Phil Steele's preseason all-AAC team. Ward, who was a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award for national long snapper of the year last season, is joined by wide receiver Ryan O'Keefe and offensive lineman Lokahi Pauole as first-team all-conference selections. UCF and Cincinnati led the way with 16 players on the list, followed by Houston (11), ECU (11), Memphis (11), SMU (10), South Florida (10), Tulane (9), Tulsa (9), Navy (3) and Temple (2). - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#1 LS) rSr/2023

LS Alex Ward, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

06/23/22 - KJ Jefferson, rSr/2025, Central Florida, 6-3, 247 (DS#999 QB) + More +

University of Arkansas junior KJ Jefferson is among the college quarterbacks who will serve as counselors at the Manning Passing Academy this week. The Academy, at which the Manning family members and college quarterbacks work with junior high and high school players, will begin Thursday at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. This is the 26th year of the Academy, which began in 1996 and is run by Archie Manning and his sons Peyton, Eli and Cooper.

Jefferson, from Sardis, Miss., will be a counselor for the first time. He was an obvious choice to be invited after leading the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record last season when he started every game and completed 198 of 294 passes (67.3%) for 2,676 yards and 21 touchdowns with 4 interceptions and rushed for 664 yards and 6 touchdowns. "I'm excited, coming from where I come from, that's a big-time deal," Jefferson said Tuesday of being among the counselors. "Just being able to be selected for that is truly an honor." "I'm looking forward to going down there and participating and having fun." This year's Manning Academy will have a record 45 college quarterbacks as counselors for the 1,350 campers. "It's a really good group," Archie Manning told Nola.com. "I usually cut it off at 40 counselors, but we had so many guys that wanted to come this year that I couldn't say no. I'm getting to be a softie." There will be quarterbacks from 12 of the SEC's 14 schools. - Northwest Arkansas Times

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2025

QB KJ Jefferson, Central Florida
News Source: Northwest Arkansas Times
Share/Comment: Here

06/12/22 - John Rhys Plumlee, rSr/2024, Central Florida, 6-0, 203 (DS#17 QB) + More +

Nine months after accepting an invitation to the Big 12 Conference, UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir celebrated the program's final hurdle by announcing the school would be joining the Power Five league in time for the 2023 football season. The move comes after months of back-and-forth negotiations with UCF, which were joined by Cincinnati and Houston, and the American Athletic Conference in order to work out an early exit from the league. "It was good it ended on what we did," Mohajir said Friday afternoon. "The main thing is to give your fan base, your student-athletes, your coaches, your key stakeholders, your alumni, everybody involved in your program some definitive timetables when you're entering and we did that and I feel really good about it." The move becomes effective July 1, 2023.

Each of the three schools will pay an $18 million buyout over 14 years to the AAC, a source confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel. The Athletic was the first to report the figures. "Sometimes you trade time for money," said Mohajir. "The terms were very fair for both." The money for the buyout will come directly from the individual schools, not from the Big 12 as some speculated. Each of the schools is also on the hook for a $2.5 million entry fee to get into the league. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#17 QB) rSr/2024

QB John Rhys Plumlee, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

06/11/22 - Terrence Lewis, rSo/2026, Central Florida, 6-2, 190 (DS#999 OLB) + More +

The domestic battery charge against UCF linebacker Terrence Lewis has been dropped, public records show. Lewis was arrested in Miami-Dade County the night of May 8. 247Sports was the first to report the arrest. Details of what led to the arrest and charge are not public. While Lewis is legally cleared, he still may face internal repercussion at UCF, such as a suspension.

Following Lewis's arrest, UCF coach Gus Malzahn commented on the matter to the Orlando Sentinel. "We're still gathering information right now and once we do, we'll handle it appropriately," he said last month. Lewis transferred to UCF from Maryland in January after missing all of the 2021 season with a knee injury. As he continued to rehab in Orlando, Lewis was limited in action during UCF spring camp. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#999 OLB) rSo/2026

OLB Terrence Lewis, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

06/10/22 - Javon Baker, Sr/2024, Central Florida, 6-1, 202 (DS#24 WR) + More +

Former Alabama wide receiver Javon Baker is transferring to UCF, he announced on social media Wednesday. Baker recorded 7 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in 12 games for the Crimson Tide as a sophomore last season. The 6-foot-2 Atlanta native had signed with Kentucky in February after entering the NCAA transfer portal in January but never enrolled there, leaving him room to transfer elsewhere and be immediately eligible.

Baker made it known the decision to not transfer to Kentucky was not one he made. When news broke two weeks ago that Kentucky would no longer be taking Baker, he questioned the reports. "Just woke up, how [are] ya'll [going to] decommit me," Baker wrote in a post on his Instagram Story. "What kind [of] "sources" is ya'll." Shortly afterwards, Baker learned of his fate. "Guess they did decommit me," Baker wrote on social media. "I wanted to play for Kentucky." With Kentucky moving on, Baker re-examined his options in the transfer portal and found UCF. The addition of Baker is big for the Knights after the departure of starting receiver Jaylon Robinson, who transferred to play for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#24 WR) Sr/2024

WR Javon Baker, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

06/03/22 - KJ Jefferson, rSr/2025, Central Florida, 6-3, 247 (DS#999 QB) + More +

University of Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has signed a contract extension through at least 2026 that will pay him $5 million per year with escalators based on performance. Pittman's new salary is a 66.7% increase from the $3 million he was in line to be paid before bonuses in 2021, when he led the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record and a 24-10 victory over Penn State in the Outback Bowl. Pittman could earn a pay raise of up to $750,000 for a 9-win season under his new contract.

Arkansas finished last season ranked 21st by The Associated Press - the Razorbacks' first time to be included in the final AP poll in 10 years. Pittman received votes for AP national coach of the year last season and was named a regional coach of the year by the American Football Coaches Association. Pittman thanked UA Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek and others in a statement sent out by the university's athletic department. "Arkansas is where I want to be, this is my dream job," Pittman said in a UA release. "I am so grateful for our University and Hunter for believing in me, our coaches and staff and the program we're building. We are all excited to continue to build on what we've done and continue to make our fans and the whole state of Arkansas proud of our football team." - Northwest Arkansas Times

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2025

QB KJ Jefferson, Central Florida
News Source: Northwest Arkansas Times
Share/Comment: Here

06/02/22 - Cameron Kinnie, rSr/2026, Central Florida, 6-3, 315 (DS#999 C) + More +

UCF football continued to add to its offensive line Monday night by landing a commitment from Georgia transfer Cameron Kinnie. Kinnie, a native of Suwanee, Ga., attended Collins Hill High School, took a redshirt as a freshman in 2020. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound reserve interior offensive lineman didn't play in a game during his two years in Athens while working with the Georgia scout team. Kinnie was a 3-star prospect, according to 247Sports, and ranked as the No. 156 overall prospect in Georgia during the 2020 recruiting cycle. Playing offense and defense at Collins Hill, Kinnie recorded 63 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 6 sacks his senior season in 2019. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#999 C) rSr/2026

C Cameron Kinnie, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

05/30/22 - Isaiah Bowser, rSr/2023, Central Florida, 6-0, 217 (DS#31 RB) + More +

With the start of the 2022 UCF football season less than 100 days away, more details regarding kickoff times and television network information for some games were announced Thursday. The Knights will open Year 2 under coach Gus Malzahn on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. on ESPN+ inside the Bounce House against South Carolina State. The following week, UCF will host Louisville on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The first road trip of the season for the Knights comes in Week 3 when UCF travels to FAU for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on CBS Sports Network.

Finally, UCF will host American Athletic Conference foe Temple on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Most of the remaining start times and television designations for the upcoming schedule will be made on a weekly basis through the season as part of the conference's 12-day selection process. That includes UCF's matchup vs. rival South Florida, which could be moved from its traditional date of the Friday following Thanksgiving. This season, however, only one AAC game will be selected for Black Friday. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#31 RB) rSr/2023

RB Isaiah Bowser, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
Share/Comment: Here

05/27/22 - Javon Baker, Sr/2024, Central Florida, 6-1, 202 (DS#24 WR) + More +

Former Alabama wide receiver Javon Baker, who entered the transfer portal and committed to Kentucky, will not play for the Wildcats after all, according to KSR. The report suggests the school moved off him as his arrival date neared and opted to "move on" in recent days. Cats Illustrated's Justin Rowland also now reports that Maryland could be one of Javon Baker's top suiters after not coming to Kentucky. He also visited Florida and Ole Miss during his initial transfer recruitment this spring, although both have since brought in other targets. Baker caught nine passes in his two years at Alabama, including seven in 2021 for 101 yards and a touchdown. He has not caught a pass since Alabama's win over New Mexico State on November 13. - On3.com, Online sources

(DS#24 WR) Sr/2024

WR Javon Baker, Central Florida
News Source: On3.com, Online sources
Share/Comment: Here

05/24/22 - JaVarrius Johnson, rSr/2025, Central Florida, 5-09, 180 (DS#999 WR) + More +

One of the biggest wins for Auburn this offseason was keeping junior WR Ja'Varrius Johnson from transferring after he entered the portal. Johnson was 5th in receiving yards for the Tigers last season. He had 274 yards on 19 receptions. One play that went for 59 yards was called a run play, although Johnson would have still be in 5th place on the team in receiving yards if it were called a reception.

According to Cole Pinkston of "Auburn Live," Johnson will be the leader in receiving yards for a couple of reasons. He was productive when he got touches. The offense could have seen an uptick if he were given more touches. He can create plays after the catch. That is where Auburn lacked production last season. Also, he didn't come back from the portal to see similar numbers. There was more than likely a promise to get him more involved, and he should be. - Auburn Live

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2025

WR JaVarrius Johnson, Central Florida
News Source: Auburn Live
Share/Comment: Here

05/16/22 - Terrence Lewis, rSo/2026, Central Florida, 6-2, 190 (DS#999 OLB) + More +

More details are emerging following the arrest of former Maryland linebacker and UCF transfer Terrence Lewis on Sunday. The new Golden Knights' defender allegedly punched a woman in the face at a residence in Miami Gardens, per Miami radio host Andy Slater. Slater tweeted that an unnamed senior law enforcement source shared the victim was arguing with a cousin when the incident occurred. Police arrested and charged Lewis for domestic battery on Sunday evening, per public records. Authorities booked Lewis into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade (Fla.) County with a $1,500 bond.

After entering the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the season, Lewis committed to UCF and Gus Malzahn following the new year. He did not play during the 2021 season after receiving surgery before Spring practices began. Upon joining Maryland, the medical staff diagnosed him with a torn ACL. Lewis was a four-star prospect and the No. 43 player in the nation when recruited. In the transfer portal, he was the No. 17 linebacker available this offseason, according to On3's transfer rankings. In the arrest report, Lewis is listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds - On3.com

(DS#999 OLB) rSo/2026

OLB Terrence Lewis, Central Florida
News Source: On3.com
Share/Comment: Here

05/14/22 - JaVarrius Johnson, rSr/2025, Central Florida, 5-09, 180 (DS#999 WR) + More +

Expect Auburn's revamped receiving corps to be "Husky Fast" in 2022. The Tigers will have no less than three former Hewitt-Trussville High receivers on board this fall with the additions of Miami transfer Dazalin Worsham and incoming freshman Omari Kelly. They join Auburn returnee Ja'Varrius Johnson. Hewitt-Trussville's motto since Josh Floyd took over as coach in 2014? Husky Fast. "It's pretty wild," Floyd said. "They obviously have some needs at that position, so I think all those guys have a chance to contribute." Johnson, a part of the 2019 Auburn recruiting class, entered the transfer portal in February before opting to return.

The 5-foot-10, 159-pounder was Auburn's fifth-leading receiver last season, catching 19 passes for 274 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 12 games as a redshirt sophomore. He led the team with 14.42 yards per reception. Johnson joins fifth-year senior Shedrick Jackson as one of the Tigers few experienced options at the position. "Ja'Varrius can fly," Floyd said. "He has elite speed. He can beat you over the top and has great hands. Sometimes the receivers that aren't as big don't catch it as well, but he has great ball skills." - Birmingham News

(DS#999 WR) rSr/2025

WR JaVarrius Johnson, Central Florida
News Source: Birmingham News
Share/Comment: Here

Previous 15 Notes

|Back to Page One|

Next 15 Notes

Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 56

Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 57

Central Florida Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

** Draft Scout Data **
(Everything Online PLUS)

Support Draft Scout

The Database Engine for NFLDraftScout.com, Draft Scout is being repurposed...Support the Future Development of ScoutNation.com...

Draft Scout Archives

** 2010-2022 Draft Scout Archives **
(Yearly Player Data Exports, Prospect Lists & More)

Draft Scout Future

100% Dedicated and Never Done

80% Innovated

45% Hidden

35% Built

2025 CFB/2025-2029 NFL Draft Scout

2024 CFB/2024-2028 NFL Draft Scout

2023 CFB/2024-2027 NFL Draft Scout

NFL Draft Scout History

2022 Draft Scout

Draft Scout by Conference

2023 Draft Scout Offense

2023 Draft Scout Defense

2022 Draft Scout Offense

2022 Draft Scout Defense

Central Florida Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

Support Draft Scout

Draft Scout Archives

Draft Scout Future

Synergization

Did You Know?

Hidden Designs

Future Development