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UCF football 2024 projected depth chart: Can the defense improve in 2024?

UCF will have a new look in 2024, but what else in new in college football nowadays?

By Ericka Brockish

Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) celebrates intercepting an Oklahoma State Cowboys pass during the second quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) celebrates intercepting an Oklahoma State Cowboys pass during the second quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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UCF football will have a new look in 2024 losing quite a few key players to the NFL and the transfer portal. However, if there is one thing that Gus Malzahn is great at doing, it is bringing talent from the portal to make up for the losses.

A lot of starting positions will be filled by transfers this season for the Knights, including the quarterback position.

The Knights have now spent one season in the Big 12 and with the departure of Oklahoma and Texas, the conference is wide open. This could be the best shot for UCF so early in their time in the Big 12.

After the spring football game, fans are biting at the bit to get to see this team on the field. They are ready to see what R.J. Harvey and Kobe Hudson will do next. How will K.J. Jefferson fit in with his dual-threat ability?

So looking forward to 2024, what with the depth chart and roster look like? Here is a prediction of how it will all fall into place.

Offense

Quarterbacks

  • QB1: K.J. Jefferson
  • QB2: Dylan Rizk

K.J. Jefferson will take over for former quarterback John Rhys Plumlee who graduated and is now working with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jefferson is a true dual-threat quarterback which is how Plumlee played, so the offense will not need to change much to conform to a new quarterback.

Running backs

  • RB1: R.J. Harvey
  • RB2: Johnny Richardson
  • RB3: Myles Montgomery

The running back room is the least of Malzahn's worries with R.J. Harvey running the show. Harvey rushed for over 1,400 yards in 2023 and is poised to be even better in 2024. His backup Johnny Richardson is also no slouch. He can easily step into the position and be electric with the ball, especially when he gets into the second phase.

Wide receivers

WR-X
- WR1: Xavier Townsend
- WR2: Trent Whittemore

WR-Z
- WR1: Kobe Hudson

WR-SL
- WR1: Chauncey Magwood
- WR2: Jarrad Baker

The wide receiver position is the other position Malzahn probably does not have to worry too much about with the talent he has. With Jobe Hudson making his return, he will pull defenders so much that it will open up other guys on the field. Xavier Townsend really showed up in big moments last season and he is poised to become a true star in the offense in 2024.

Tight ends

  • TE1: Randy Pittman Jr.
  • TE2: Evan Morris

The tight end position will be a bit of a question mark for UCF for the first time in years without Alec Holler on the field. Randy Pittman Jr. comes in after taking a few snaps last season and had over 200 receiving yards and one touchdown. He will be able to step into the starting role easily now with no one ahead of him, but the tight-end position may not be used as heavily as it has been in the past.

Offensive line

  • LT: Amari Kight, Paul Rubelt
  • LG: Adrian Medley
  • OC: Caden Kitler, Jabari Brooks
  • RG: Marcellus Marshall, Cameron Kinnie
  • RT: Wes Dorsey

The offensive line might be the weakest part of the offense in 2024 with the loss of a lot of guys. However, Amari Kight will be anchoring this line which has to be a relief for Malzahn.

Defense

Defensive line

  • DE: Malachi Lawrence, Jamaal Johnson
  • NT: Lee Hunter, John Walker
  • DT: Ricky Barber, Matthew Alexander, Keshaun Hudson
  • BUCK: Daylan Dotson, Kaven Call

The defensive line will be headlined by Lee Hunter and returner Ricky Barber, who will be the leader of probably the entire defense. Last season, the Knights struggled on defense and gave up way too many leads when they should have won big.

Linebacker

  • MLB: Ethan Barr, Xe'ree Alexander
  • WLB: Jesiah Pierre, Kam Moore
  • STAR: Deshawn Pace, Braeden Marshall

The linebacker room is probably the most different-looking position for the Knights this season will the majority of their linebackers leaving in the portal. However, the good news is that Malzahn is used to having to replace linebackers, so he should be set at that position.

Secondary

LCB: Brandon Adams, Ja'Cari Henderson
SS: Bryon Threats, Ladarius Tennison, William Wells
FS: Demari Henderson, Quadric Bullard
RCB: Antione Jackson

The secondary will also have a big new look, but should be led by young hometown star Demari Henderson. Henderson was one of the best cornerbacks on the team last season and is poised for. another great year.

Special teams

PT: Mitch McCarthy, Michael Carter
PK: Colton Boomer, Grant Reddick
KO: Colton Boomer, Grant Reddick
LS: Gage King, Aidan Fedigan
PR: Xavier Townsend, Trent Whittemore
KR: Xavier Townsend, R.J. Harvey

Colton Boomer seriously struggled last season after an amazing freshman campaign. He will need to work on making his field goals more consistent or Grant Redick just might come and snatch his starting spot right out from under him.

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