Analyzing 2022 Fall roster by position
- By PhDee
- UCF Fan Forum
- 45 Replies
I analyzed each position heading into Fall 2022 compared to 2021. I do this by 1) starters and 2) depth. Discuss.
Overall: Offense: better, Defense: slightly better
We should have no problem imposing our will on offense. I expect to average 35-50 points/game. This could be one of the best, all-around, offensive groups we've ever had. On the defensive end, our weakness is the D-line and linebacker group and our strength is our secondary. I only see our defense as slightly improving because of our return of the entire secondary (and we run 5 DBs), otherwise, I would have said unchanged or slightly regress.
I expect UCF to implement a run-first style offense because of its huge depth at RB and to keep its defense rested. I expect opponents to adopt a run-first and short-yardage passing game combined with a long-yardage passing game. The short-yardage plays will take advantage of our thin Dline and Linebacker crew while the deep throw plays will take advantage of our likely defensive strategy of keeping our secondary close to the line. We should be afraid of teams with very mobile QBs and teams with good run defense.
Overall, our floor should be 9-10 wins with a conference championship game appearance, partly because we luckily get our three hardest opponents at home; Louisville, SMU, and Cincinnati. The Louisville game is pivotal because of how early in the season it is (2nd game). The outcome of this game will set the tone for the rest of the season. If we handle Louisville, I see us going undefeated, if we lose, I wouldn't be surprised with other home losses. The ceiling is going undefeated with an NY6 bowl appearance.
QB: Starter: better, Depth: better
With Mikey Keene having a year under his belt, he comes back a lot better in the fall relative to last year when he was thrown into the fire. With the addition of JRP and Castellanos, the competition created within this group should push them all to be the best they can be.
RB: Starters: better, Depth: better
Bowser will be better after learning Gus's playstyle (assuming he stays healthy). With Johnny Richardson constantly improving, Mark AR becoming healthier, and RJ Harvey progressing on rehab, the RB group should be solid and better this fall. Don't be surprised if another RB leaves; there's too much talent sitting around.
WR: Starters: slightly better, Depth: better
With J Flash injured most of last season, we return everyone at the receiver position (except Brandon Johnson) in addition to adding Auburn's best wideout, Kobe Hudson. Overall, if Okeefe takes the next step, Kobe Hudson takes the next step, and Jayon Griffin, Jordan Johnson, Dionte Marks, or Amari Johnson step into that 3rd wideout role, this group should be solid. There's a lot of NFL potential at WR.
TE: Starters: better, Depth: better
We have struggled at TE in recent years, but with the emergence of Alec Hoeller this past season (who is coming back in the fall) and the addition of a proven starter in Kemore Gamble (UF's number one TE last year), this squad should be solid.
OL: Starters: slightly better, Depth: unchanged
We return three starters from last year and add two proven staters in Grable (from Jacksonville State) and Swoboda (from Virginia). Backups are the same as last year. This group should slightly improve due to the returning three starters but may fall back a little due to the loss of Schneider and Tatum. Overall though, we should see a better O Line.
DE: Starters: regress, Depth unchanged
Losing Big Kat is a huge loss. With what seems like uncertainty in Morris-Brash and the new addition of KD McDaniels, there is uncertainty at DE. If TMB takes a big leap this offseason and KD can perform at a high level, this position group could be just as good as last year, but at the moment, that's unclear. Depth is supported by Celsicar, Woodson, and some hungry young players.
DT: Starters: better, Depth slightly regress
Starters should be better given Barber and Hester likely improve this offseason and are hopefully healthy. With the loss of Goode and Kalia Davis heading to the NFL, we lose a lot of experience at depth. The addition of Hunter adds tremendous upside though. In addition to seeing him out there, I'm looking forward to some young guys getting playing time, such as Alexander and Choute.
LB: Starters: regress, Depth: regress
Linebackers take the biggest hit this offseason with the departure of Bethune and Joyce. The additions of Terrence Lewis, Kris Moll (from UAB), and Jason Johnson (from Eastern Illinois) add much-needed talent and experience. Terrence Lewis will provide tremendous upside when he becomes fully healthy and gets on-field experience. Moll adds the experience they need (played in every game over 4 years until being injured last year, was 1st team CUSA twice). Johnson started every game his last 2 seasons at EIU (was an all-american twice). But given these players are new and Lewis and Moll are coming off injuries, there is the most uncertaintiy at LB. Mosier has an opportunity to make a significant impact if he steps up this offseason. UCF is making a late push for transfer prospect, Branden Jennings, who played for one year at Maryland with Terrence Lewis.
DB: Starters: better, Depth: better
Having all defensive backs returning this fall and the addition of 3 solid freshmen and Koby Perry makes the DB starters better and adds better depth. With the emergence of Francois and Jarvis Ware making a good recovery, this unit should be solid.
Kicking Punting: No idea
We need a big improvement for our kicking crew come fall.
Overall: Offense: better, Defense: slightly better
We should have no problem imposing our will on offense. I expect to average 35-50 points/game. This could be one of the best, all-around, offensive groups we've ever had. On the defensive end, our weakness is the D-line and linebacker group and our strength is our secondary. I only see our defense as slightly improving because of our return of the entire secondary (and we run 5 DBs), otherwise, I would have said unchanged or slightly regress.
I expect UCF to implement a run-first style offense because of its huge depth at RB and to keep its defense rested. I expect opponents to adopt a run-first and short-yardage passing game combined with a long-yardage passing game. The short-yardage plays will take advantage of our thin Dline and Linebacker crew while the deep throw plays will take advantage of our likely defensive strategy of keeping our secondary close to the line. We should be afraid of teams with very mobile QBs and teams with good run defense.
Overall, our floor should be 9-10 wins with a conference championship game appearance, partly because we luckily get our three hardest opponents at home; Louisville, SMU, and Cincinnati. The Louisville game is pivotal because of how early in the season it is (2nd game). The outcome of this game will set the tone for the rest of the season. If we handle Louisville, I see us going undefeated, if we lose, I wouldn't be surprised with other home losses. The ceiling is going undefeated with an NY6 bowl appearance.
QB: Starter: better, Depth: better
With Mikey Keene having a year under his belt, he comes back a lot better in the fall relative to last year when he was thrown into the fire. With the addition of JRP and Castellanos, the competition created within this group should push them all to be the best they can be.
RB: Starters: better, Depth: better
Bowser will be better after learning Gus's playstyle (assuming he stays healthy). With Johnny Richardson constantly improving, Mark AR becoming healthier, and RJ Harvey progressing on rehab, the RB group should be solid and better this fall. Don't be surprised if another RB leaves; there's too much talent sitting around.
WR: Starters: slightly better, Depth: better
With J Flash injured most of last season, we return everyone at the receiver position (except Brandon Johnson) in addition to adding Auburn's best wideout, Kobe Hudson. Overall, if Okeefe takes the next step, Kobe Hudson takes the next step, and Jayon Griffin, Jordan Johnson, Dionte Marks, or Amari Johnson step into that 3rd wideout role, this group should be solid. There's a lot of NFL potential at WR.
TE: Starters: better, Depth: better
We have struggled at TE in recent years, but with the emergence of Alec Hoeller this past season (who is coming back in the fall) and the addition of a proven starter in Kemore Gamble (UF's number one TE last year), this squad should be solid.
OL: Starters: slightly better, Depth: unchanged
We return three starters from last year and add two proven staters in Grable (from Jacksonville State) and Swoboda (from Virginia). Backups are the same as last year. This group should slightly improve due to the returning three starters but may fall back a little due to the loss of Schneider and Tatum. Overall though, we should see a better O Line.
DE: Starters: regress, Depth unchanged
Losing Big Kat is a huge loss. With what seems like uncertainty in Morris-Brash and the new addition of KD McDaniels, there is uncertainty at DE. If TMB takes a big leap this offseason and KD can perform at a high level, this position group could be just as good as last year, but at the moment, that's unclear. Depth is supported by Celsicar, Woodson, and some hungry young players.
DT: Starters: better, Depth slightly regress
Starters should be better given Barber and Hester likely improve this offseason and are hopefully healthy. With the loss of Goode and Kalia Davis heading to the NFL, we lose a lot of experience at depth. The addition of Hunter adds tremendous upside though. In addition to seeing him out there, I'm looking forward to some young guys getting playing time, such as Alexander and Choute.
LB: Starters: regress, Depth: regress
Linebackers take the biggest hit this offseason with the departure of Bethune and Joyce. The additions of Terrence Lewis, Kris Moll (from UAB), and Jason Johnson (from Eastern Illinois) add much-needed talent and experience. Terrence Lewis will provide tremendous upside when he becomes fully healthy and gets on-field experience. Moll adds the experience they need (played in every game over 4 years until being injured last year, was 1st team CUSA twice). Johnson started every game his last 2 seasons at EIU (was an all-american twice). But given these players are new and Lewis and Moll are coming off injuries, there is the most uncertaintiy at LB. Mosier has an opportunity to make a significant impact if he steps up this offseason. UCF is making a late push for transfer prospect, Branden Jennings, who played for one year at Maryland with Terrence Lewis.
DB: Starters: better, Depth: better
Having all defensive backs returning this fall and the addition of 3 solid freshmen and Koby Perry makes the DB starters better and adds better depth. With the emergence of Francois and Jarvis Ware making a good recovery, this unit should be solid.
Kicking Punting: No idea
We need a big improvement for our kicking crew come fall.
