Spring Football Series: UCF Knights Defense

After previewing the Knights offense a couple days ago, I bring you the experienced defensive unit. The defense only lost two starters from last year and return their entire back seven. This unit will need to step up big in order to keep us in the game, especially earlier in the year against USF, BC, and UM.

Lets start with the most experienced unit of the defense, the defensive backfield which returns four starting seniors. The Knights have the best starting back four in Conference USA, as well as a backfield that can rival many that major programs put on the field. After flirting with the NFL, Joe Burnett decided it would be best for him to come back for his senior year, I can't disagree. Burnett, one of the best special teamers in Conference USA also is a threat to make an interception on any given play. Johnell Neal, the better cover corner in my opinion, comes more in the mold of a shut down corner. Neal was tied with Burnett on the year with six interceptions, with one of those being run back for a touchdown. The safeties for the Knights add a layer of protection behind the corners, but can also come up and stop a run play. Free safety, Sha'reff Rashad is more of a threat to pick off a ball, with Jason Venson, strong safety, being a more apt run stopper.

In front of the defensive backs we have the best returning linebacker corp at UCF in some time. All three of our 2007 starters at linebacker return, as well as another three players who have started at least one game in their college career. The 'backers are lead by junior, Chance Henderson, who plays the mike (middle linebacker) position. Flanking Chance, are Corey Hogue (senior) and Derrick Hallman (sophomore). Hogue is a solid senior, who has improved every year he's been in a Knights' uniform. On the other hand, Hallman, a sophomore, impressed the coaches last year and earned a starting job because of his speed and athleticism. These linebackers will share time with backups, Jordan Richards (junior), Alex Thompson (junior), and Lawrence Young (sophomore). The player to watch in the group is Derrick Hallman, a bit undersized for a linebacker, but he plays like he's been shot out of a cannon.

The big boys upfront, the defensive line, lost two big starters last year in fan favorite, Leger Douzable, and run stuffer Keith Shologan; the two will be missed by UCF fans and the Knights' football team. Returning from last year, are starters Bruce Miller (DE) and Torrell Troup (DT, formerly Torrell Johnson). The defensive end position seems to be stacked with young, speed rushing players that include, Antonio Wallace (senior), Darius Nall (sophomore), and Jarvis Geathers (junior college transfer). Jack Carter (freshman) if not moved to Linebacker, also fits the mold of a speed rusher at the end position. On the other hand, the defensive tackle spots will more than likely be the achilles heal for this defense. We have two very good starters in Troup, and Travis Timmons, but outside those two players UCF may have to count on David Martin, who's still in High School and converted linebacker, T.J. Harnden.

If you would like to see the UCF Knights' spring depth chart, click here.

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