Former UCF standouts Malachi Lawrence, Nyjalik Kelly ready for NFL draft
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Malachi Lawrence took a moment to watch UCF’s football team take part in a spring practice recently. It wasn’t long before the former Knights defensive end was greeted by coaches and players, offering a handshake or a hug.
Lawrence spent four seasons at UCF, a rarity in today’s transfer portal era, after signing with the Knights in their 2022 recruiting class. He went from being on the sidelines as a freshman to becoming one of the top edge rushers in the Big 12 last season.
The 23-year-old could fulfill a lifelong dream if selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday.
“Honestly, just seeing all the work that I put in and just seeing it actually come to life, it’s definitely been a blessing,” said Lawrence.
His draft stock climbed after a standout performance in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February, where he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times for a defensive end.
Since then, mock drafts have had Lawrence projected anywhere from a mid-first-round selection to the second round.
The last time UCF has had a player selected in the first round of the NFL draft was cornerback Mike Hughes in 2018. The last Knights’ defensive end picked was Bruce Miller in 2011, who later played fullback in the NFL.
“I’m proud of how much development and progress some of those guys made in our one year,” said UCF coach Scott Frost. “He did an unbelievable job of working consistently and just continuing to get better in a year with (defensive ends coach) Mike Dawson and (defensive coordinator) Alex Grinch. I’m really happy for him.”
Lawrence isn’t sure which NFL team could select him. He participated in 30 virtual calls with scouts, coaches and general managers since the combine and made 17 in-person visits.
He plans to host an NFL draft watch party at his home in Louisville, Ky.
Lawrence isn’t the only Knight who could hear his name called this weekend.
Fellow edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly is coming off back-to-back strong seasons at UCF, finishing with 99 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks with the Knights following two seasons at Miami.
He’s projected to be a sixth or seventh-round selection.
“I believe Nyjalik is undervalued a little bit, because I know what he can do,” said Frost. “Last spring, we couldn’t block him, and he wrecked some of the offense’s practice, so I’m excited about his opportunity.”
Like Lawrence, Kelly’s dreams of playing in the NFL began when he was growing up.
“My grandpa used to be on the couch, kicking his feet up and the NFL was always on (the TV),” Kelly recalled. “We were always watching the (Miami) Dolphins. You would see the players on the screen and I wanted to be one of those players, because I knew my grandpa watched it and I always wanted my grandpa to watch me on TV one day.”
Running backs Jaden Nixon and Myles Montgomery also hope to continue their careers in the NFL. Both are projected as sixth or seventh-round selections or as undrafted free agents.
“I would love to make a team just so I could play football,” said Nixon, who rushed for 558 yards and 7 touchdowns last season for the Knights. “That’s all it ever has been about. It’s just playing football. I don’t think about anything else.”
“They’re gonna get somebody who’s going to embrace their role, whatever it is, and try to help the team continue to win ball games,” said Montgomery, who led the team in rushing with 705 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Offensive lineman Paul Rubelt is also hoping for a chance to prove himself at the next level.
“If you take a shot at me, I’ll give you my all,” said Rubelt. “Whoever takes a chance on me, they won’t regret it.”
Added Frost: “Jaden, Paul and Myles and a bunch of other guys, if they get their shot, they’re going to have a good opportunity to make a living playing the game. That’s what you dream about when you’re little.”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
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