The UCF Knights Football Program landed two potentially game-changing players via transfer portal this week as former Ohio State defensive back Cedrick Hawkins and ex-Miami edge rusher announced their decision to don the gold-and-black uniform.
Cedrick Hawkins, a four-star recruit out of Titusville, Florida, entered the transfer portal right after playing Ohio State’s spring game.
His decision to leave a top football program did not come as a surprise since the competition at the safety position is already crowded with more blue-chip prospects coming in over the next few years.
BREAKING: Former Ohio State DB Cedrick Hawkins has Committed to UCF, he tells @on3sports
The 6’0 188 DB will have 4 years of eligibility remaining
“Let’s get active”https://t.co/gAXYgVff2c pic.twitter.com/GE1GxfRmo3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 20, 2024
Hawkins, the No.35 safety in the recruiting class of 2023, will have four years of eligibility.
Highly-Rated Defensive Lineman Joins UCF
Defensive lineman Nyjalik Kelly has also jumped from Miami to Orlando as he announced his decision to join the UCF Knights via the transfer portal this week.
Kelly spent two seasons with the Hurricanes, recording 11 solo and 8 assisted tackles with four sacks.
BREAKING: Former Miami EDGE Nyjalik Kelly has Committed to UCF, he tells @on3sports
The 6’6 260 EDGE totaled 19 Tackles & 4 Sacks in his 2 years with the Hurricanes
Was one of the Top Available EDGEs in the Portal
2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RqIAPCWVXM pic.twitter.com/CiYRPKMN4l
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 23, 2024
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3Sports, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Kelly is among the best available EDGE in the transfer portal this spring.