4 UCF Freshman Rated 70 Overall or Higher in CFB 27
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The UCF Knights have a talented group of freshmen this year, with four players rated 70 overall or higher in College Football 27.
Running back Kaj Baker, safety TJ Branch, wide receiver Tyren Hornes and cornerback Amarion Queen. Baker, Hornes and Queen are incoming freshman recruits, while Branch is a redshirt transfer from Colorado.
Baker and Branch are tied for the highest overall at 74.
The 5-foot-8 running back attended Somerset Academy Charter in Pembroke Pines, where he showcased his versatile playmaking. He recorded 10 touchdowns and added four receiving touchdowns for 500 yards.
His multifaceted play style is what UCF will need with the departure of Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon, who are now aiming to extend their playing careers. The backfield duo accumulated 1,308 yards on 214 carries and 11 touchdowns, and 270 yards on 34 receptions throughout the season.
Replacing their production is a tall task, but Frost is confident in his recruit and the skill set he possesses to elevate the program's running game.
The Colorado transfer did not see any game action for Coach Deion Sanders. He committed to the Buffaloes as a four-star recruit ranked by ESPN and On3.
Branch led Miami Northwestern to a 12-2 record and the Florida High School 3A State Championship in his senior season. He was nominated for the Nat Moore Trophy, which is presented to the best high school football player in South Florida.
Hornes is a 73 overall. A bit shocking, considering the highlight plays he's made throughout fall camp against his upperclassmen teammates.
His performance has built a strong case for him to play legitimate snaps in his true freshman season. Coach Scott Frost started Waden Charles, who is now a sophomore, in the final five games of the season.
Frost puts the best football players on the field, and if a freshman shows their ability, he's willing to trust them.
Hornes became UCF's highest-ranked recruit in program history in early February. The former four-star dominated the Under Armour All-American game, winning the MVP award.
He shot up 11 spots in his class rankings, finishing as the 12th-ranked receiver before arriving at UCF. Even NFL analysts praised him as a league-ready receiver.
Queen is the lowest-rated of the group at 70 overall. He was a three-star recruit playing for Martin County High School.
The 6-foot-2 cornerback played both sides of the ball in high school. During his junior and senior seasons, he tallied five interceptions on defense and 1,101 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on offense.
These College Football 27 ratings indicate that UCF has freshmen who could make an immediate impact next season. It is the ultimate compliment for Frost, who is rebuilding the program in his vision during his second tenure.
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