ShortSideOption
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Just was doing some talking with others the past couple weeks in regard to the jump that UCF made from year 1 to year 2, and how remarkable it was. Many times, the things that get brought up is that they played in the AAC, and we are in the Big Ten. While I think it would be a bit more difficult due to conferences, I don't think that's our most limiting factor. Take a look at who was drafted in 2017, 2018, and 2019 for the Golden Knights:
2019 - NG Trysten Hill
2018 - CB Mike Hughes
2018 - WR Tre'Quan Smith
2018 - TE Jordan Akins
2018 - OLB Shaquem Griffin
2017 - CB Shaquil Griffin
There is great debate with what Scott Frost inherited at Nebraska and if it is worse or better than (name comparison). While UCF was 0-12 before SF got there, I think with these draft picks, it is obvious they weren't without talent. 2017 would be like our 2019... first year in however long we didn't have a draft pick. So on to year 2 and trying to figure out if we will have 4 guys drafted like Central Florida did? Further, the 2017 undefeated team had someone at all 3 levels defensively that ended up being drafted (Hill, Griffin, Hughes). Do we have a linebacker, defensive back, and a defensive lineman that will start for us that could eventually be drafted?
This isn't a doom and gloom post, it is more just taking a look at how UCF got to 0 losses in a season. Shaquem Griffin and Trysten Hill, starters on that 2017 undefeated UCF squad and eventual draft picks, play two critical positions in Chinanders defense. Two positions that are big question marks for the staff right now. While I think we make a huge jump in 2019, I think 2020 is our year.
2019 - NG Trysten Hill
2018 - CB Mike Hughes
2018 - WR Tre'Quan Smith
2018 - TE Jordan Akins
2018 - OLB Shaquem Griffin
2017 - CB Shaquil Griffin
There is great debate with what Scott Frost inherited at Nebraska and if it is worse or better than (name comparison). While UCF was 0-12 before SF got there, I think with these draft picks, it is obvious they weren't without talent. 2017 would be like our 2019... first year in however long we didn't have a draft pick. So on to year 2 and trying to figure out if we will have 4 guys drafted like Central Florida did? Further, the 2017 undefeated team had someone at all 3 levels defensively that ended up being drafted (Hill, Griffin, Hughes). Do we have a linebacker, defensive back, and a defensive lineman that will start for us that could eventually be drafted?
This isn't a doom and gloom post, it is more just taking a look at how UCF got to 0 losses in a season. Shaquem Griffin and Trysten Hill, starters on that 2017 undefeated UCF squad and eventual draft picks, play two critical positions in Chinanders defense. Two positions that are big question marks for the staff right now. While I think we make a huge jump in 2019, I think 2020 is our year.