A year ago, Jordan Akins - fresh off a four-year minor league baseball career - was the intriguing new wide receiver expected to play a complementary role alongside UCF's much-more established upperclassmen.
This year, Akins will be thrust into more of the spotlight as one of Justin Holman's top targets. He'll also be the Knights' primary return man on both kickoffs and punts.
"Last year I was more of a two guy in a rotation," Akins said. "This year I'm taking on the role of a starter, on and off the field with special teams rolling right into it. It's a lot more running, a lot more thinking. It's not just sitting back and watching. A lot more action."
In 2014, Akins caught 12 passes for 135 yards which makes him UCF's most-experienced returning wide receiver. With a year under his belt, he feels he's much better prepared to make a substantially bigger impact this season.
"I'm 10 times better," Akins said. "I know a lot more. I learned from some of the best last year. I know how to play the UCF way. I'm trying to do my best on the field to help the team win."
Physically, Akins says you'll see a different player.
"I'm better conditioned, faster and stronger," he said. "I'm more aware of my surroundings on the field. I definitely know the playbook more than I did last year."
If he has added a little burst, maybe that's the difference in scoring a touchdown in the return game. He nearly had one against Penn State in Ireland last year.
"I don't want to get caught this year and get run down," Akins said. "Like I said, I'm a lot stronger, faster and more aware. Hopefully when I break I'll take it to the house."
Asked what players he emulated from last year's team, Akins mentioned Josh Reese and Rannell Hall. In the NFL, he says he admires UCF alum Brandon Marshall and Odell Beckham Jr. But two of his favorites go a little bit further back.
"I like to watch old-school cats like Randy Moss, who is my idol, and Cris Carter," Akins said.
In addition to Akins, the other wide receivers listed on the depth chart include Tre'Quan Smith, Chris Johnson, Nick Patti, Tristan Payton and Jordan Franks, who moved to the offensive side last week after playing safety this spring and preseason.
"Franks is looking great coming over from defense and going straight to wide receiver," Akins said. "He looks like he's been there a while. He's taking coaching. I think he can help us this year."
