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Senior defensive end and team captain Big Kat Bryant, who was limited during the Tigers' season-opener against Kentucky due to an ankle injury, said he is "feeling great" after Auburn's first practice of the week. Bryant injured his ankle during practice last week and, after warming up pregame on Saturday, did not start against the Wildcats. In fact, Bryant didn't see the field the entire first half of Auburn's 29-13 win, but he gave it a go in the second half, though his snaps were still limited after halftime. Bryant finished with just one tackle, though his insertion into the lineup at times during the second half provided Auburn's shorthanded defensive line with a boost.

Bryant recorded his lone tackle on the first play he saw the field--a stop of Kentucky running back Kavosiey Smoke at the UK 2-yard line after Bo Nix pinned the Wildcats deep with a pooch punt. The Tigers nearly recorded a safety on that defensive possession but settled for forcing a three-and-out after the Wildcats lost 1 yard on the drive. Bryant, a native of Georgia who nearly signed with the Bulldogs, expects to be closer to 100 percent for Saturday's trip to Athens, Ga. No. 7 Auburn (1-0) will take on No. 4 Georgia (1-0) at 6:30 p.m. CT, with the game airing on ESPN. "I'm feeling great, man," Bryant said Tuesday."...I'm feeling pretty good, and I'm definitely going to play on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to it." - Birmingham News

(DS#33 DE) rSr/2022

DE Big Kat Bryant, Central Florida
News Source: Birmingham News
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10/01/20 - Brandon Johnson, rSr/2022, Central Florida, 6-2, 195 (DS#74 WR) + More +

Brandon Johnson did a lousy job of easing back into his Tennessee football career. The fifth-year senior hauled in three catches for 73 yards and arguably produced the two most impactful plays during Saturday night's 31-27 opening victory at South Carolina. Johnson's 30-yard reception during the first quarter ignited the Volunteers, who were already down 7-0 after South Carolina's opening 11-play, 75-yard touchdown march, while his 33-yard catch in the fourth quarter stymied momentum for the Gamecocks, who had turned a 21-7 deficit into a 24-24 tie with 10 minutes remaining.

"It feels great knowing I can help my team, and that's really what it's all about," Johnson said Tuesday afternoon on a Zoom call. "I want to help my team win - no more, no less - and it's the reason why I'm still here." Johnson made the decision last year to redshirt after four games to protect a year of eligibility, which is a rule the NCAA implemented before the 2018 season. Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings had become the primary targets for Jarrett Guarantano, so the 6-foot-2, 203-pounder from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, elected to shelve his season having made just two catches for 31 yards. - Chattanooga Times Free Press

(DS#74 WR) rSr/2022

WR Brandon Johnson, Central Florida
News Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press
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10/01/20 - Daniel Obarski, rSr/2024, Central Florida, 6-2, 200 (DS#999 K) + More +

Daniel Obarski spent last season as UCF's kickoff specialist, averaging more than 61 yards per kickoff with a 52% touchback rate. His role expanded this season and he became the team's primary placekicker. Obarski connected on field goal attempts of 26, 33 and 31 yards during the win over the Pirates Saturday. He also is a perfect 13-of-13 on extra points so far this season. The sophomore ranks among the top-25 players in the nation in kickoffs, averaging 64.7 yards on 18 kickoffs this season with 10 of those called touchbacks. He averaged 61.5 yards on 10 kickoffs with four touchbacks Saturday. The performance earned him American Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

"He's had a big leg since he showed up on campus," Heupel said. "That was evident during the recruiting process. I thought last year as the season went on, he became much more consistent in his kickoffs and more confident and comfortable in what he's doing. "...Heading into this season with limited opportunities in spring ball, I thought he was off to a great start. Since he's gotten back [to campus], he continues to grow and refine his technique and become more consistent. Our football team has the utmost confidence in him." - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#999 K) rSr/2024

K Daniel Obarski, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
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09/29/20 - Marlon Williams, Sr/2021, Central Florida, 5-11, 209 (DS#37 WR) + More +

Offensive depth has never been much of an issue for UCF during Heupel's tenure, particularly at wide receiver. When Gabriel Davis declared early for the NFL draft, it seemed the Knights had many options to offset the loss of his record-setting numbers. Enter senior Marlon Williams, who has quickly become one of Gabriel's favorite options. Williams has been targeted 30 times through the first two games, leading the team in receptions (23) and receiving yards (290). He also has six plays of at least 20 yards so far this season.

"The truth is that Marlon has been showing out forever," Gabriel said. "Last year, there was Gabe and Tre [Nixon] and this year it's Tre, Jacob [Harris]...there's so many guys that we don't have just one guy to focus on and I think that's the beauty of it - that we have a bunch of weapons all over the field." Robinson, who sat out last season after transferring from Oklahoma, has become another deep threat. The redshirt sophomore has 15 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns. His 17 yards per catch is second behind Nixon's 23.50 average. Robinson's 64-yard touchdown grab against East Carolina was the longest play from scrimmage this season and he has three of the team's four longest plays this season. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#37 WR) Sr/2021

WR Marlon Williams, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
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09/28/20 - Daniel Obarski, rSr/2024, Central Florida, 6-2, 200 (DS#999 K) + More +

SEPT 28 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Daniel Obarski, UCF, So., K, Chandler, Ariz.,...Obarski scored 15 points to help UCF to a 51-28 win at East Carolina in the Knights' conference opener. Obarski went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, making the first three attempts of his career by connecting from 26, 33 and 31 yards, and was 6-for-6 on PATs. - American Athletic Conference Football

(DS#999 K) rSr/2024

K Daniel Obarski, Central Florida
News Source: American Athletic Conference Football
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09/28/20 - John Rhys Plumlee, rSr/2024, Central Florida, 6-0, 203 (DS#17 QB) + More +

Week one of SEC football in Oxford was unlike any opening weekend the city has seen before. No Grove tailgating, limited stadium capacity and a week-one top 25 opponent are all new adjustments for the Rebel fandom. The University of Florida Gators ultimately beat the Ole Miss Rebels 51-35. Throughout the Rebels' first game, there were many expected plays, but there were also a great deal of unexpected decisions. The looming battle for starting quarterback ended before the game began as Matt Corral was named the starter on the Jumbotron. This was an outcome that people were relatively prepared for; however, what was not expected was the sparing use of John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee played as a receiver in the first half, where he was targeted twice and caught one ball for a six-yard gain. Other than that, he had 3 yards passing and four rushing attempts. - Daily Mississippian

(DS#17 QB) rSr/2024

QB John Rhys Plumlee, Central Florida
News Source: Daily Mississippian
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09/24/20 - Otis Anderson, Sr/2021, Central Florida, 5-08, 179 (DS#36 RB) + More +

As the country battles the coronavirus pandemic, Otis Anderson wondered whether he would ever play football again at UCF. Like many of his teammates, Anderson found himself stuck at home in isolation away from his teammates and as the hours turned into days and then weeks into months, Anderson considered his future. "Some of the players, we got discouraged during the summer because it was tough not being here and working out together," Anderson said. "During the summer, there were times when I thought about opting out. "But I think that crossed everyone's mind, just the fact the whole virus was spreading and the unknowns of the future and how it would affect you. I think everyone had that thought process."

But gloom turned to excitement as players returned to campus in June and back onto the football field Saturday as No. 13 UCF defeated Georgia Tech 49-21 during the season opener in Atlanta. "It was a great feeling, especially [considering] the fact we might not have had a season," Anderson said. "There were a lot of questions on whether we would be able to play." The Knights rushed for 243 yards, with six players sharing 51 carries. Anderson led the team in rushing yards (88) and carries (18). He added a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. "He's done it time and time again," said UCF co-offensive coordinator Anthony Tucker, who's been Anderson's position coach for the past two seasons. "He's as dependable as it gets. I didn't expect anything than what he did." - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#36 RB) Sr/2021

RB Otis Anderson, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
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09/05/20 - Tay Gowan, rSr/2021, Central Florida, 6-1, 186 (DS#53 CB) + More +

UCF cornerback Tay Gowan said he opted out of playing during the 2020 season because of concerns about his daughter's health. In a social media post published Wednesday, the redshirt senior thanked Knights fans for their support and explained his decision not to play this season. "I'm a father first to a beautiful baby girl who was born prematurely with health problems," Gowan posted on Twitter. "I have also tested positive for COVID in the past and I will not put my daughters health at risk again. "Her health is important, my health is important."

Gowan went on to thank the UCF football program and the coaching staff before announcing he was entering his name into the 2021 NFL draft. "I've came to the toughest decision in my life as a man and I have to stand on what I believe is right. I love this game with all my heart and never thought I'd have to make this decision. With that being said I WILL BE ENTERING MY NAME IN THE 2021 DRAFT!!! #23OUT #GowanIsland," he wrote. Gowan was among 10 Knights UCF coach Josh Heupel said chose to opt out this season. Several of them posted on social media they planned to play for UCF next season. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#53 CB) rSr/2021

CB Tay Gowan, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
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09/04/20 - Aaron Robinson, rSr/2021, Central Florida, 6-0, 186 (DS#11 CB) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Aaron Robinson, Central Florida,...Robinson played in all 13 games, starting 10 at nickelback in 2019...Ranked sixth on team with 54 total tackles to go with 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 10 passes broken up (second on squad), one hurry and a forced fumble...Second-team selection on All-AAC squad. - Central Florida Football

(DS#11 CB) rSr/2021

CB Aaron Robinson, Central Florida
News Source: Central Florida Football
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09/04/20 - Big Kat Bryant, rSr/2022, Central Florida, 6-4, 254 (DS#33 DE) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Big Kat Bryant, Auburn,...Bryant, a defensive end, tallied nine quarterback hurries, 16 tackles and two tackles for loss as a junior in 2019. His 83-yard fumble recovery was a key play in Auburn's season-opening win vs. Oregon. - Auburn Football

(DS#33 DE) rSr/2022

DE Big Kat Bryant, Central Florida
News Source: Auburn Football
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09/04/20 - Marlon Williams, Sr/2021, Central Florida, 5-11, 209 (DS#37 WR) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Marlon Williams, Central Florida,...Williams played in all 13 games, starting seven at receiver...Ranked second on the team with 51 receptions and third with 717 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns...Returned two kicks for a total of 42 yards and four punts for 22 yards...Had 12 plays of 20 or more yards, the fourth most on the team. - Central Florida Football

(DS#37 WR) Sr/2021

WR Marlon Williams, Central Florida
News Source: Central Florida Football
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09/04/20 - Tay Gowan, rSr/2021, Central Florida, 6-1, 186 (DS#53 CB) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Tay Gowan, Central Florida,...Gowan played in 12 of 13 games, starting nine contests at cornerback in 2019...Moved into starting cornerback role after Brandon Moore incurred season-ending injury in season opener vs. FAMU...Finished season with 31 tackles, two interceptions, eight passes broken up, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss. - Central Florida Football

(DS#53 CB) rSr/2021

CB Tay Gowan, Central Florida
News Source: Central Florida Football
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09/01/20 - Tay Gowan, rSr/2021, Central Florida, 6-1, 186 (DS#53 CB) + More +

UCF coach Josh Heupel announced Tuesday 10 players have opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19. Redshirt senior defensive back Tay Gowan, redshirt junior defensive lineman Khalia Davis and redshirt junior quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. are among the group that has filed paperwork with the school to skip the 2020 season. Other players who have chosen to opt out include defensive lineman Mason Cholewa; cornerback Devunte Dawson; offensive linemen Allan Adams; Lamarius Benson and Adrian Medley; defensive back Elijah Benoit; and defensive lineman Kendrick Wilson. "Everybody's perspective and situation with COVID-19 is different and there all valid and real," Heupel said. - Orlando Sentinel

(DS#53 CB) rSr/2021

CB Tay Gowan, Central Florida
News Source: Orlando Sentinel
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09/01/20 - Aaron Robinson, rSr/2021, Central Florida, 6-0, 186 (DS#11 CB) + More +

UCF has been tabbed as the preseason favorite in the American Athletic Conference for the third consecutive season as the Knights edged Cincinnati for the top spot in the conference's 2020 preseason media poll. UCF received 10 of the possible 20 first-place votes in the media poll to finish with 204 points, while Cincinnati had seven first-place votes and 201 points. Memphis was third with 192 points and two first-place votes. Navy received one first-place vote in the poll. UCF is ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press and USA Today preseason polls after the Knights went 10-3 last season, capping their third straight 10-win season. Head coach Josh Heupel, who is 22-4 in two years with the Knights, will look to quarterback Dillon Gabriel to lead an offense that averaged 540.5 yards per game in 2019, trailing only LSU nationally. Cincinnati has turned in back-to-back 11-win seasons under head coach Luke Fickell, who enters his fourth year with the Bearcats. Cincinnati is ranked No. 20 in the AP preseason poll and No. 22 in the USA Today poll thanks to the return of 16 starters, including 13 of the team's top 15 tacklers on a defense that led The American in fewest points allowed (20.6 ppg). - American Athletic Conference Football

(DS#11 CB) rSr/2021

CB Aaron Robinson, Central Florida
News Source: American Athletic Conference Football
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08/30/20 - Big Kat Bryant, rSr/2022, Central Florida, 6-4, 254 (DS#33 DE) + More +

Bryant was a key contributor on Auburn's defensive line in 2019, but Derrick Brown and Davidson stole the spotlight with their highlight reels. As one of two returning starters on the line, Bryant has a huge weight on his shoulders. Since returning to practice, he's played three positions - buck, defensive end and defensive tackle - while preparing the young players for Auburn's high expectations of the defensive line. In his senior season, Bryant wants to carry on Brown and Davidson's legacy while making his own mark. "He wants to leave as good as they did," said Shelton Felton, Tennessee's outside linebackers coach and Bryant's high school coach. "He just wants to be great. Be the best leader on and off the field, just be Big Kat and show people why he's a top recruit."

Bryant wants to be a dominant pass rusher who can make the play on every down. He's hesitant to set specific goals with the uncertainty surrounding the season, but he said he wants 10 sacks. Last year, Bryant was just a step away from making big time plays, and it showed in his stats. While Bryant only had 1.5 sacks, he recorded nine quarterback hurries, the most on the team. In the spring, Bryant went to work out with NFL players where he learned more about his footwork and how to use his hands. Bryant found a trainer during the quarantine to help him with "shaving off that tenth of a second." "He invested in himself," Felton said, and it paid off. "He's got himself quicker. He got himself leaner." - Birmingham News

(DS#33 DE) rSr/2022

DE Big Kat Bryant, Central Florida
News Source: Birmingham News
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