The Presnap Read: Breaking down UCF’s roster
West Virginia football meets a similar opponent in its Week 8 matchup, facing off against the UCF Knights. Both the Mountaineers and Knights are two of the three teams without a win in Big 12 play. Here’s a look at the key players UCF will suit up.
Quarterback
Similar to WVU, UCF has shifted quarterbacks through the first half of the season. Cam Fancher won the starting job out of fall camp, but was injured in the Knights’ opening game. Backup Tayven Jackson started the next four games and was injured two weeks ago against Kansas.
Last week against Cincinnati, Fancher started and threw for 222 yards on a 57% completion rate in a 20-11 loss.
Jackson relies heavily on his arm, with 906 yards through the air and a 64.5% completion rate. On the other hand, Fancher shows the ability to throw, but proves as a threat on the ground with 170 rushing yards on 31 carries, adding 333 passing yards with 52 fewer attempts than Jackson.
WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez spoke about the similarities between the two, making it easier to prepare for both options under center.
“I think we’re prepared for them and for what they do,” Rodriguez said. “They don’t do a lot, whole lot different, whether it’s Jackson or Fancher. They’re athletic guys. They’ll play with 11. We’ve struggled at times with mobile quarterbacks this year.”
Running back
While it’s uncertain who will start at quarterback, WVU knows they have to prepare for the sixth leading rusher in the Big 12, Myles Montgomery. He’s been a workhorse for the knights this season, gaining 434 yards on 86 carries.
Jaden Nixon complements Montgomery’s workload with a team-leading four touchdowns to go with 289 rushing yards.
WVU defensive coordinator Zac Alley praised Montgomery and Nixon’s ability to get downhill.
“I think they’ve got really good tailbacks, both are really good. They run downhill and they play hard,” Alley said.
Reccivers
UCF is a ground-and-pound team, but showcases lots of depth in the passing attack. Duane Thomas Jr. is the two quarterbacks’ favorite target, with 26 receptions for 272 yards.
DJ Black is a big play threat with 16.5 yards per catch on 15 receptions, bringing in two touchdowns. Marcus Burke also adds a speed threat with 10 catches for 151 yards.
Two tight ends share playing time: Dylan Wade and Kylan Fox. Wade leads with 15 receptions for 155 yards, and Fox adds 118 yards on 13 catches. Both have a touchdown on the year.
Offensive line
Tackle Paul Rubelt brings the most experience on the line as he started all 12 games last season, leading the Knights to the second-most yards per game in the Big 12 and 14th in the nation at 447.8.
On the other side of the line is Ole Miss transfer Preston Cushman. Fifth year gaard Memmelaar takes snaps at the guard after transferring from Washington, where he started all but one game last season.
Keegan Smith adds experience at the other guard position, appearing in all 12 games with the Knights last season. Center Carter Miller rounds out the line in his first year at UCF.
Defensive X-Factors
Linebacker Lewis Carter and safety Phillip Dunnam are what make the UCF defense go. Carter’s 38 tackles lead the team with an added sack and forced fumble on the season. Dunnam trails with 35 tackles, proving he can play at all levels.
Secondary
Braeden Marshall is experienced in the secondary, making six starts and playing in nine games last season. Antione Jackson has totaled 25 tackles and two passes defended. Demari Henderson has an interception and 20 tackles after missing all of last season with an injury.
The trenches
Linebacker Cole Kozlowski is third on the team with 28 tackles in his first year at UCF. Edge Nyjalik Kelly adds a dynamic look on the line with 1.5 sacks, 26 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Kelly was named to Phil Steele’s Preseason Big 12 Second Team.
The large 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle RJ Jackson Jr. is used to stuff runs with the help of fellow defensive tackle John Walker Jr., who has recorded 14 tackles this season.
EDGE Malachi Lawernce leads the team with two sacks and is complemented by Sincere Edwards, who has 1.5 sacks and 11 tackles so far.
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