UCF Knights football: Kenny Martin ‘kept it real’ with RJ Jackson
RJ Jackson, a junior defensive tackle, transferred from Tulsa to UCF during the offseason. He joined a group coached by Kenny Martin.
The Knights are looking to improve their pass rush after registering just 22 sacks in 2024.Defensive end Nyjalik Kelly and defensive tackle John Walker are two key players to watch on the defensive line.UCF added defensive linemen Sincere Edwards, RJ Jackson and Horace Lockett through the transfer portal.
ORLANDO — Class is in session this spring for UCF’s pass rushers and, fortunately for position coach Mike Dawson, his players completed beginner courses some time ago.
Relative to other pockets of the Knights’ roster, the defensive line — particularly the rush group — possesses a wealth of high-level experience.
“It’s fun with guys that have a base understanding. You get out of Football 101 and start getting into the higher-level classes,” said Dawson, beginning his second stint at UCF under Scott Frost. “You get to teach them the intricacies. Not only ‘Hey, do this!’ But you can get into why you want to do this instead of that, or at this time this might be a better technique or fundamental than in this situation. To be able to have those conversations with the guys is really fun.”
UCF produced its fair share of pressure on opposing quarterbacks during its ill-fated 2024 campaign, but it didn’t lead to much production. The Knights registered 22 sacks, tying for 78th in the Football Bowl Subdivision on a per-game basis (1.83).
Eleven of those 22 sacks occurred in UCF’s final four games, following the dismissal of Ted Roof as defensive coordinator and with the team spiraling toward its first bowl absence since 2015.
Alex Grinch,…
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Publish date : 2025-04-02 09:07:00
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