UCF adds three more commitments to 2027 recruiting class

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UCF football’s 2027 recruiting class continues to grow after another busy weekend.

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The Knights received verbal commitments from a trio of high school recruits, including a pair of three-star prospects in linebacker Debonaire Johnson and defensive back Tyler Walker Jr., along with James Reynolds, the No. 3-ranked punter in the country.

The 5-foot-11, 230-pound Johnson, who also excelled at track, recently transferred from McArthur High School in Broward County to Miami Carol City. He appeared in nine games on the varsity squad as a junior for the Mustangs, recording 62 tackles, including 12 for a loss with four sacks, two blocked punts and a blocked field goal.

He had more than two dozen offers from schools such as West Virginia, Auburn, California, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Ole Miss and Pittsburgh.

According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Johnson is the No. 149-ranked linebacker in the 2027 class and the No. 169-ranked player in the state of Florida. He becomes the second linebacker to commit to the Knights, joining Ian McDuffie.

Walker, a 5-10, 175-pound cornerback from Rickards High School, totaled 47 tackles, including four for loss with two sacks, 10 passes defended, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in two seasons with the Raiders.

Among the schools that extended offers to the Tallahassee native were Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Colorado and Georgia Tech.

Walker is the No. 169-ranked cornerback in the class and the No. 185-ranked player in the state, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, and is the third defensive back to commit, along with Kash Kolbow and Jonathan Barnes.

Reynolds’ commitment is a coup for special teams coordinator Pete Alamar.

The 6-4, 235-pound Venice native is the third-best punter in the 2027 class, according to Kohl’s Professional Camp. He averaged 41.2 yards per punt with a season-best 62-yarder during his junior season. Reynolds also excelled on kickoffs, averaging 56.2 yards on 62 kickoffs.

UCF’s 2027 class currently has 12 commitments and ranks 62nd, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings and 12th overall in the Big 12.

All verbal commitments are non-binding but can become official during the early signing period in December.

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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