Malachi Lawrence back at full strength, ready to lead UCF defense in 2025

Malachi Lawrence, entering his fifth season at UCF, says he feels better than ever.

After being limited during the spring due to injury, Lawrence was back to full speed as the Knights opened preseason camp on Monday. The veteran edge rusher figures to be a central figure on defense, both from a production and leadership standpoint.

“It was definitely a little tough,” Lawrence said of being limited in the spring. “Just getting back in football shape, it’s different from what we were doing over the summer. But shout out to Coach (Zach) Duval– he definitely got us in shape. It feels amazing to be back, especially with the team, just being out there with the guys and having fun.”

Lawrence, one of the most experienced players on the roster, has been one of UCF’s most productive defenders. He recorded five sacks in 2024, second on the team and 11th in the Big 12, and posted 7.5 sacks in 2023, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors.

He’s added muscle and explosiveness over the offseason, thanks to a focused effort in the weight room.

“Bench, squat, vertical, stamina, I feel like I’ve gotten faster and more explosive,” Lawrence said. “I definitely added weight. I just feel way better in general, stronger, faster, and more athletic. Just like an actual defensive end.”

Setting the tone as a leader

Lawrence says he’s grown not just physically, but as a vocal presence on the team.

“I used to just show you how to do it. Now I’ve become more vocal,” he said. “I’ll help my teammates out, give them words of advice. Not just constructive criticism but also building their motivation.”

One of the younger players he’s taken under his wing is redshirt sophomore Isaiah Nixon.

“I’ve been able to help him, mentor him, show him how football and college works,” Lawrence said.

UCF has welcomed more than 70 newcomers to the roster, and Lawrence says the offseason efforts to build chemistry, including “The Program,” a two-day leadership and team-building event, have made a big difference.

“You can’t have the coaches do it all,” he said. “You have to put in the time and want to get close to your brothers. We’re encouraging each other, and we’re building a brotherhood.”

No preseason hype, but plenty of motivation

UCF was shut out of the preseason All-Big 12 lists, something that Lawrence says fuels the fire.

“Just being not on a list gives you motivation, but it also doesn’t put pressure on you,” he said. “We’re not under any pressure, but we’re here to attack and definitely get on that list at the end of the season.”

Lawrence has set lofty goals for himself in 2025: 10+ sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

“I’ve seen Tre’Mon Morris-Brash do it, so that gave me a little bit of hope,” he said, referencing the former Knight who finished with 8.5 sacks and 20.5 TFLs in 2023.

He says the team as a whole is confident.

“We know what we have inside the team. The outside community doesn’t really know, they just judge off last year,” Lawrence said. “But we’ve got a great team, an attack team, great offense, great defense, great coaches.”

UCF has depth in pass rush

Lawrence believes UCF’s pass rush could be among the nation’s best. Also returning is Nyjalik Kelly, who had 5.5 sacks last year.

“I feel like we can be top three in sacks this year — first, actually,” he said. “We’re going to speak that into existence.”

He says sophomore Sincere Edwards, a transfer from Pittsburgh, is going to have a big year.

“He’s strong and listens. His football IQ is up there and continuing to build,” Lawrence said. “When you know what play is coming, you can play faster, and I definitely see that in Sincere.”

Beyond his own position group, Lawrence also shouted out a pair of transfer linebackers — Keli Lawson and Lewis Carter — as players who could make a significant impact this fall.

“I feel like Keli and Lewis are both going to have big years,” Lawrence said. “Those guys are flying around out there.”

Lawrence says the depth across the defense will be a problem for opposing teams.

“When you have so much depth, the offensive tackle has to keep thinking about who he’s going against. That’s great for us,” he said.

UCF’s defense may not have garnered much attention entering the season, but Lawrence expects that to change.

“You’re going to see production and wins.”

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