Top 3 players on each side of the ball in 2021

[anon_gi3vk9zbfmw0w]

From some of the discussion going on in multiple threads, I thought I would consolidate what I think could be an interesting thread.

There seems to be some difference in what fans value, even what they actually see in front of them, while everyone is watching the same game. There are some really knowledgeable fans here, so I’m interested to see what we get.

In your opinion, who were the top-3 offensive players on UCF in 2021? Top-3 defensive players?

 

[Lord Christopher]

ROK, Bowser and probably a lineman on offense. Just not sure which one. On defense I would say Tatum Bethune, Hodges and Big Cat.

 

[Knight_Classes_begin_7pm]

Offense: Bowser, ROK, Lineman (maybe 2 lineman....the O-line is SO important)
Defense: Big Cat, Tatum, Hodges

 

[hemightbejeremy]

Offense, talent wise would probably be Gabriel, Bowser, and O’Keefe.

Production wise due to injuries it was Keene, O’Keefe, and Richardson.

 

[anon_gi3vk9zbfmw0w]

Offensively:
1) For me, this discussion starts with LG Cole Schneider. He’s the best interior lineman in the conference. He’s physical, consistent, plays with nastiness. A four-year starter with nearly 50 career starts, he will be as difficult to replace next season as any player UCF has had in this modern post-O’Leary era.
2) I would also put O’Keefe here. 1,200+ All-Purpose yards, even when he was the primary focus of opposing defenses for most of the year.
3) I’ll go RG Lokahi Pauole as the third top offensive player. Bowser was dominant against Boise State and Florida, but he also missed six games this season (so I didn’t go with him). And Richardson had 1,000 yards RUSH/REC combined with very limited touches. We don’t beat ECU or USF without him. The RB’s split my third vote, so I’ll go with the lineman.

 

[anon_gi3vk9zbfmw0w]

Defensively:
1) T. Bethune - I think he can have a Nate Evans type senior season as the unquestioned leader of the team (unless…)
2) Q. Bullard - For me, he was the most improved player in the program this season. This kid was everywhere the ball was, he made a lot of plays. Still two more full fall seasons until he graduates.
3) J. Celiscar - gave Morris-Brash a thought here. I think TMB is our best pass rusher overall, but he still wasn’t on the field for as many reps as some other guys (and he missed the first two games, and 99% of the third game until the last possession against Louisville). Like Bullard, I think Celiscar has a very bright future at UCF.

I wasn’t a big Big Kat Bryant guy at all. Looks good in his uniform, but he missed as many plays as he made (especially early in the season). Some of his worst games (Louisville, Navy, Cincinnati) were when we needed him the most. Solid, yes (and he did take on some double-teams, helping the rest of the front make plays). But 1st team all AAC, yeah I don’t know about that.