The spring transfer portal opened on April 16. Coach Gus Malzahn is tasked with replacing key losses at quarterback, receiver and linebacker depth on a team that finished 6-7 last season:
WR Ja’Varrius Johnson
Vitals: 5-10, 167-pounds
Resume: Johnson, a 4-star from Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School, amassed 3,298 yards on 187 catches, a 17.6 average, and scored 32 touchdowns in 29 games in three varsity seasons with the Huskies. In addition, he contributed 259 rushing yards and 565 yards on kickoff returns. He was ranked as the No. 43 overall receiver in the 2019 class and committed to signing with Malzahn.
Role: After redshirting his freshman season, Johnson played three years with the Tigers, appearing in 34 games, totaling 1,114 yards on 64 catches with 8 touchdowns and a 17.4 yard average. He also was utilized on special teams as a returner, recording 71 yards on 9 returns.
Outlook: Johnson gives the Knights another receiver option, teaming him up with returners Kobe Hudson, Xavier Townsend, Jarrad Baker, Trent Whittemore and fellow transfer Jacoby Jones. He also can be used on special teams, giving the Knights another speedy returner.
CB Mac McWilliams
Vitals: 5-10, 185-pounds
Resume: McWilliams was a 2-star product from Pine Forest High School who signed with UAB as part of its 2020 recruiting class.
Role: He appeared in 30 games with the Blazers, totaling 99 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, an interception and 21 passes defended. McWilliams was also a special teams returner.
Outlook: UCF had a scholarship left to fill, and McWilliams provides some extra depth on the roster and the potential for special teams’ work.
OL Keegan Smith
Vitals: 6-3, 295-pounds
Resume: Smith spent three seasons at Central Michigan, appearing in 23 games for the Chippewas, mostly at right guard. The Michigan product was a 3-star from Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Jackson. He was a four-year starter who helped guide the Titans to a 49-4 record, three state championships and four state championship game appearances.
Role: The redshirt sophomore started 15 combined games in three seasons, taking part in 1,045 offensive snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, he was pressured a combined 26 times allowing 3 hurries and 4 sacks.
Outlook: Smith becomes the ninth transfer to join the Knights since the end of spring camp in mid-April. He’s the third offensive lineman to transfer this recruiting class, joining Wes Dorsey (Western Kentucky) and Jabari Brooks (Samford), who were early enrollees in January. UCF can always use depth on the offensive line especially as most of its starters are in their final year of eligibility.
CB Sheldon Arnold II
Vitals: 6-1, 191-pounds
Resume: Arnold spent three seasons at East Tennessee State, totaling 57 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and a forced fumble in 30 games.
Role: In 2023, he appeared in 11 games (five starts) and was third on the team in tackles (53), 2 interceptions and a forced fumble.
Outlook: He joins former Cedrick Hawkins and Tre’Quon Fegans as defensive backs to commit to the program during the 30-day spring transfer window, which ended on May 1.
WR Jacoby Jones
Vitals: 6-3, 228-pounds
Resume: Jones was second on the Ohio roster in receiving in 2022 after finishing with 776 yards and 6 touchdowns on 45 catches. He suffered a season-ending injury that limited him to 147 yards on 8 catches and an average of 18.38 yards per catch in 2023. The Mississippi native entered the transfer portal on April 15.
Role: The senior spent most of his time with the Bobcats at wideout, with 319 offensive snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the second-highest-graded receiver on the roster last season, at 74.6, and had a 71% (52 of 73) receiving rate over the past two seasons.
Outlook: The addition of Jones gives the Knights another offensive weapon to couple with receivers Kobe Hudson, Xavier Townsend, Trent Whittemore and Jarrad Baker.
RB Peny Boone
Vitals: 6-2, 225-pounds
Resume: Boone rushed for 1,400 yards with 15 touchdowns last season with Toledo and finished his career with the Rockets with 2,151 combined yards and 19 total touchdowns in 26 games. The senior began his career at Maryland, where he rushed for 258 yards with 2 touchdowns in 14 games before transferring to Toledo in 2022. He re-entered the portal after last season and originally committed to Louisville in January before jumping back in the portal on April 17.
Role: The Detroit product took 388 snaps in the two seasons at Toledo and accounted for 1,147 yards after contact with 77 missed tackles.
Outlook: Boone joins a running backs group with another 1,4000-yard rusher in RJ Harvey, Johnny Richardson and Cincinnati transfer Myles Montgomery.
RB Demarkcus Bowman
Vitals: 5-10, 193-pounds
Resume: A 5-star prospect out of Lakeland who rushed for 5,081 yards and 71 touchdowns with an 11.4-yard per-carry average in three seasons with the Dreadnaughts. According to 247Sports, he ranked as the No. 3 running back in the country and the No. 20 overall prospect during the 2020 recruiting cycle. Bowman spent his freshman season at Clemson, where he redshirted before transferring to Florida. He appeared in five games with the Gators, rushing for 81 yards on 14 carries before transferring to UCF in 2022.
Role: Bowman, 23, appeared in three games for the Knights last season, rushing for 62 yards on 10 carries before suffering a season-ending injury against Villanova.
Outlook: Bowman didn’t participate in spring camp or was listed on the team’s roster so it was assumed he wouldn’t be around in 2024. Even without Bowman, the running backs group is on solid footing with eight players on the roster led by starters RJ Harvey and Johnny Richardson, along with Cincinnati transfer Myles Montgomery and incoming freshmen Stacy Gage and Frankie Arthur.
QB Jacurri Brown
Vitals: 6-4, 230-pounds
Resume: Brown was a 4-star out of Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga., where he completed 54% of his passes (366 of 681) for 5,504 yards with 51 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 53 games as a four-year starter. He also rushed for 4,194 yards and 54 touchdowns for the Vikings.
Role: The redshirt junior appeared in nine games with three starts, including Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers on Dec. 28. He threw for 411 yards in two seasons with 4 touchdowns and four interceptions and ran for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Outlook: The departure of backup Timmy McClain left starter KJ Jefferson as the only quarterback with actual college experience, prompting the need to add an experienced player from the portal.
DB Tre’Quon Fegans
Vitals: 6-0, 180-pounds
Resume: Fegans was a 4-star prospect from Alabaster, Ala., who played at Oxford High School before transferring to Thompson High. In his senior year, he recorded 45 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, and 12 passes defended for the Warriors. He was highly sought after, with offers from Miami, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and UCF, but he chose to stay in-state instead, signing with Alabama as part of its 2022 recruiting class. After redshirting his freshman year, Fegans transferred to USC.
Role: He appeared in six games for the Trojans, primarily as a backup and on special teams, and he totaled nine tackles.
Outlook: UCF continues to add talent and athleticism to its secondary with the addition of Ohio State transfer Cedrick Hawkins and Fegans. The duo should help ease the loss of several players who transferred out, including starter Nikai Martinez.
DE Nyjalik Kelly
Vitals: 6-4, 233-pounds
Resume: Kelly was a 4-star from Dillard High School and the top recruit in Miami’s 2022 recruiting class. The 19-year-old was ranked as the No. 87th overall prospect and the 11th-best player in the state by 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Role: The Fort Lauderdale product appeared in 17 games (3 starts), totaling 19 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks during his first two seasons with the Hurricanes. Kelly missed the second half of last season with an injury before entering the transfer portal on April 16. He committed to UCF on April 23.
Outlook: The addition of Kelly gives the Knights an experienced defensive end to add to a group that includes Malachi Lawrence, Kaven Call, Daylan Dotson and Jamaal Johnson.
LS Jack Bernstein
Vitals: 5-11, 235-pounds
Resume: Bernstein earned the long-snapper job at Georgia State after joining the program as a walk-on in 2022. He appeared in nine games for the Panthers after Seth Glausier suffered a season-ending injury. The Georgia native redshirted last season and entered the transfer portal on April 5 before committing to UCF on April 24.
Role: He participated in 84 snaps on special teams during his freshman season.
Outlook: Fifth-year starter Gage King is wrapping up his final year, so adding Bernstein gives the Knights some security at the spot heading into next season.
CB Xavier Williams
Vitals: 6-2, 200-pounds
Resume: Williams was a 3-star from Colquitt County (Georgia) High School who signed with Charlotte’s 2021 recruiting class. He passed for 1,149 yards with 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while rushing for 412 yards with 5 touchdowns in 11 games. The Georgia native spent two seasons with the 49ers, appearing in six games and combining for 528 yards with 4 total touchdowns before transferring to UCF in 2023.
Role: He didn’t appear in any games last season and switched to defensive back in the offseason after the Knights added Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson and true freshmen Riley Trujillo and EJ Colson to the quarterbacks room.
Outlook: Williams becomes the fifth defensive back to enter the portal since spring camp ended on April 15. The expectation was Williams would help provide depth in the secondary.
EDGE Zavier Carter
Vitals: 6-4, 210-pounds
Resume: Carter began his college career at LSU, playing two seasons for the Tigers (2021-22) before transferring to UNLV. He appeared in 11 games for the Rebels, recording 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries and forcing a fumble. The Atlanta native had 23 tackles, including 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in three seasons. Carter transferred to UCF in December.
Role: The 21-year-old participated in spring camp but never took a game snap for the Knights.
Outlook: Carter was expected to play a role in the defensive end rotation. His departure opens the door for UCF to search for another pass rusher in the portal.
CB Jason Duclona
Vitals: 6-1, 170-pounds
Resume: Duclona was a two-sport standout from Estero High School, playing basketball and football for the Wildcats. He played receiver and cornerback in school, totaling 1,130 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns and 60 tackles with 4 interceptions in 20 games. The Florida native signed with UCF’s 2023 class.
Role: As a freshman, he appeared in three games last season before redshirting.
Outlook: Duclona is the third defensive back to enter the portal, joining Ja’Maric Morris and Nikai Martinez. While he saw playing time with the first and second teams this spring, his role appeared undefined.
S Cedrick Hawkins
Vitals: 5-11, 163-pounds
Resume: Hawkins was a two-way player for Cocoa High School, lining up at safety and wide receiver. He totaled 314 tackles and 14 interceptions, 671 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. The Titusville native was heavily recruited out of high school, including by UCF, and received offers from Auburn, Arizona State, Florida, Florida State, and Miami before signing with Ohio State’s 2023 recruiting class.
Role: The 20-year-old failed to make an impact with the Buckeyes and entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 16.
Outlook: Hawkins becomes the first transfer the Knights have added through the spring transfer window. He has four years of eligibility left and should strengthen the secondary, especially with the departure of starting safety Nikai Martinez.
DB Ja’Maric Morris
Vitals: 6-2, 205-pounds
Resume: Morris is a 3-star from Timmonsville (S.C.) High School. He landed at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, where he played one season, totaling 33 tackles, 2 sacks and 5 interceptions in 2022. The South Carolina native transferred to UCF as part of its 2023 recruiting class.
Role: The redshirt junior appeared in two games for the Knights last season, splitting time on special teams.
Outlook: Morris becomes the second secondary player to enter the portal this spring. The emergence of freshmen Christian Peterson and Chasen Johnson should help ease the loss.
WR Stephen Martin
Vitals: 6-5, 210-pounds
Resume: Martin arrived at UCF as a walk-on after a multi-sport career at Bishop Moore High School, where he played football and basketball for the Hornets. In two seasons as a receiver, he accounted for 875 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns, totaling 37 tackles at safety.
Role: The redshirt senior appeared in 32 games with the Knights as a receiver and on special teams. He finished with 72 yards on five catches and a touchdown.
Outlook: Martin was one of a growing group of local players who attended UCF. He hoped to take on a more significant role this season, working into the rotation with Kobe Hudson, Xavier Townsend, Trent Whittemore, Jarrad Baker and Chauncey Magwood. However, the emergence of freshmen Bredell Richardson, Jordyn Bridgewater and Kason Stokes probably limited his chances.
WR Goldie Lawrence
Vitals: 6-0, 193-pounds
Resume: Lawrence was a 4-star from Seminole High who finished his preps career with 1,495 yards and 21 touchdowns on 92 catches. He signed with Florida State’s 2023 recruiting class and appeared in one game his freshman season before redshirting. Lawrence transferred to UCF in December.
Role: The redshirt freshman was only with the Knights for three months, participating in spring camp. He didn’t play in the spring game on April 12.
Outlook: Lawrence’s departure won’t impact the depth chart, with receivers Kobe Hudson, Xavier Townsend, Trent Whittemore, Jarrad Baker, Steve Martin and Chauncey Magwood settled into the rotation. The emergence of freshmen Bredell Richardson, Jordyn Bridgewater and Kason Stokes provides plenty of options without Lawrence.
DB Nikai Martinez
Vitals: 5-11, 175-pounds
Resume: The 3-star from Apopka High School helped guide the Blue Darters to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the state championship game in 2021. He was rated No. 17 in the Sentinel’s 2022 Central Florida Super60.
Role: Martinez appeared in 27 games during the past two seasons, starting all 13 games in 2023-24. He totaled 75 tackles with 3 tackles for loss, a sack, 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions. Martinez finished last season ranked fifth on the team in tackles (54) and was tied with Demari Henderson for the team-high in interceptions (3).
Outlook: While Martinez’s departure is a blow for the Knights, the team still features starting cornerbacks Brandon Adams and Ja’Cari Henderson, along with safeties Braeden Marshall, Demari Henderson and Quadric Bullard. The addition of transfers Antione Jackson (East Carolina), Deshawn Pace (Cincinnati) and Byron Threats (Cincinnati) and the emergence of freshmen Christian Peterson and Chasen Johnson should help ease the loss.
QB Timmy McClain
Vitals: 6-1, 196-pounds
Resume: McClain, a 3-star from Seminole High School, strongly started his collegiate career when he signed with USF for the 2020 recruiting class. He showcased his potential by throwing more than 6,300 yards with 68 touchdowns in four varsity seasons with the Seminoles. In his freshman year with the Bulls, McClain started nine games, passing for 1,888 yards with 5 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He continued to build on this success after transferring to UCF in 2022.
Role: After his redshirt year, McClain moved into the backup role behind starter John Rhys Plumlee. He took over the starting job after Plumlee had a severe knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win over Boise State on Sept. 9. McClain started the next three games before Plumlee returned against Oklahoma on Oct. 21. He finished the season passing for 1,065 yards with 9 TDs and 3 interceptions while rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Outlook: The arrival of Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson cemented McClain’s status as the Knights’ backup quarterback. The redshirt sophomore spent time with the second-team offense throughout spring camp. His departure opens the door for redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk and true freshman Riley Trujillo to move up to Nos. 2 and 3 on the depth chart.
LB Rian Davis
Vitals: 6-2, 230-pounds
Resume: Davis was a 4-star from Wekiva High School when he signed with Georgia’s 2019 recruiting class. He was ranked as the No. 4 OLB nationally, the No. 78 overall prospect and the No. 11 prospect in Florida. After four seasons with the Bulldogs, where he appeared in 23 games and totaled tackles, Davis transferred to UCF in 2023.
Role: Davis appeared in seven games for the Knights, totaling 14 tackles in a primarily backup role and working with the special teams unit.
Outlook: The redshirt senior wasn’t listed on the team’s spring roster, and with the additions of transfers Ethan Barr, Xe’ree Alexander and LaDarius Tennison, his role was unclear.
QB Gunnar Smith
Vitals: 6-4, 205-pounds
Resume: Smith was a 3-star Lake Mary High School quarterback who originally signed with USF for its 2022 recruiting class. He spent one season with the Bulls on the scout team before transferring to UCF in 2023.
Role: With John Rhys Plumlee, Timmy McClain and Dylan Rizk’s spots secured on the depth chart, Smith’s role with the Knights was primarily on the scout team with transfer Xavier Williams and walk-on Brock Hansel.
Outlook: With six quarterbacks listed on the depth chart, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to make a move. Even with Williams switching positions to defensive back, there were plenty of bodies at quarterback, especially with the addition of freshmen Riley Trujillo and EJ Coulson.
Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X at @osmattmurschel.
