Top returners
X - Javon Baker (SR.), 6-1/208 (career: 65 catches, 912 yards, 6 TD's)
Z - Kobe Hudson (SR.), 6-1/200 (career: 90 catches, 1,291 yards, 11 TD's)
H - Xavier Townsend (SO.) 5-11/185 (career: 127 rec. yards, 27 rush. yards, 1 TD)
In Baker and Hudson, UCF's prized transfers from last offseason provided UCF with two legitimate weapons on the outside. I love Baker's hands, and specifically his ability to go up and make catches in traffic. He also does a really nice job tracking the ball in the air (as most playmakers do). Hudson is such a crisp route-runner - thanks to his great footwork - and a threat to take one to the house on any given snap. Townsend, who played a lot of running back in HS, was utilized mostly on special teams last season. I believe he will get the initial opportunity to replace Ryan O'Keefe in the slot. Remember, the slot receiver in Malzahn's offense is regularly tasked with running jet/speed sweeps and end-arounds behind the line of scrimmage.
Top newcomers
Chauncey Magwood (JR.), 6-0/187 (transfer from Kentucky)
Corey Gammage (5th), 6-4/220 (career: 178 catches, 2,248 yards, 13 TD's, transfer from Marshall)
I liked what I saw from Magwood in the Spring Game. He looked comfortable in UCF's offense. I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes Townsend for playing time in the slot as an "H" receiver. Gammage is a really interesting situation here. He's a huge target that has enjoyed a very productive career at Marshall (four career games with 100+ receiving yards). I'm just surprised he elected to come to UCF (considering Baker and Hudson are here, and it's not like UCF throws the ball a ton, where does he fit in?). If nothing else, he can potentially be another redzone target for Malzahn to utilize.
Breakout candidate
Dionte Marks (R-SR.), 6-2/190
The former transfer from University of Florida has been plagued by injuries pretty much his entire time here at UCF. Marks may finally be healthy, and I wouldn't be shocked if he finds a way to get on the field in 2023. He's got a lot of dudes in front of him, but I came away from the Spring Game feeling really good about Marks. He was arguably the best/most impactful player on the field that day.
X - Javon Baker (SR.), 6-1/208 (career: 65 catches, 912 yards, 6 TD's)
Z - Kobe Hudson (SR.), 6-1/200 (career: 90 catches, 1,291 yards, 11 TD's)
H - Xavier Townsend (SO.) 5-11/185 (career: 127 rec. yards, 27 rush. yards, 1 TD)
In Baker and Hudson, UCF's prized transfers from last offseason provided UCF with two legitimate weapons on the outside. I love Baker's hands, and specifically his ability to go up and make catches in traffic. He also does a really nice job tracking the ball in the air (as most playmakers do). Hudson is such a crisp route-runner - thanks to his great footwork - and a threat to take one to the house on any given snap. Townsend, who played a lot of running back in HS, was utilized mostly on special teams last season. I believe he will get the initial opportunity to replace Ryan O'Keefe in the slot. Remember, the slot receiver in Malzahn's offense is regularly tasked with running jet/speed sweeps and end-arounds behind the line of scrimmage.
Top newcomers
Chauncey Magwood (JR.), 6-0/187 (transfer from Kentucky)
Corey Gammage (5th), 6-4/220 (career: 178 catches, 2,248 yards, 13 TD's, transfer from Marshall)
I liked what I saw from Magwood in the Spring Game. He looked comfortable in UCF's offense. I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes Townsend for playing time in the slot as an "H" receiver. Gammage is a really interesting situation here. He's a huge target that has enjoyed a very productive career at Marshall (four career games with 100+ receiving yards). I'm just surprised he elected to come to UCF (considering Baker and Hudson are here, and it's not like UCF throws the ball a ton, where does he fit in?). If nothing else, he can potentially be another redzone target for Malzahn to utilize.
Breakout candidate
Dionte Marks (R-SR.), 6-2/190
The former transfer from University of Florida has been plagued by injuries pretty much his entire time here at UCF. Marks may finally be healthy, and I wouldn't be shocked if he finds a way to get on the field in 2023. He's got a lot of dudes in front of him, but I came away from the Spring Game feeling really good about Marks. He was arguably the best/most impactful player on the field that day.
