UCF position preview: Knights see plenty of potential in new specialists
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The 11th in a position-by-position preview of the UCF football team heading into fall camp:
TODAY: SPECIALISTS
What to expect
Kicker Noe Ruelas turned out to be an incredible find for UCF and new special teams coach Pete Alamar last season. Ruelas connected on 88% (15 of 17) of his field goal attempts, the third-highest single-season completion percentage in program history, tying him with Dylan Barnes. His three field goals of 50-plus yards placed him second all-time in a single season behind Scott Ryerson.
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His departure meant the Knights would need another placekicker for the second consecutive season. Alamar once again reached into the transfer portal, with Will Stone arriving from Texas.
Stone’s signing was unusual, in a sense, because the senior didn’t attempt a single field goal during his four seasons with the Longhorns. His only placekicking duties were a pair of extra points against Ohio State in the semifinals of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
UCF also had to replace punter Anthony Venneri, who averaged 40.7 yards on 48 punts in his only season with the Knights. Enter Wisconsin transfer Atticus Bertrams, a 23-year-old Australian who averaged nearly 42 yards per punt with the Badgers last season.
Returnees Noah McGough (placekicker) and Mason Denaburg (punter) are expected to push for playing time at their respective positions.
The Knights have plenty of options in the return game with cornerback Antione Jackson back after handling punt returns last season. Receiver Duane Thomas Jr. saw some limited time handling kickoffs, but new running back Duke Watson could also be an option, as could new receiver Josh Derry. Taevion Swint worked out in the return game before being hurt in fall camp and his return could also provide another speedster on special teams.
What they’re saying
“We don’t have labels in our room. Freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or walk-on or someone getting a ton of revenue money … none of that counts. What counts is that they can get it done between the lines. ” — UCF special teams coach Pete Alamar on anointing starters in the spring.
Returnees
Mason Denaburg
Noah McGough
Rocklyn Kelley
Arrivals
Will Stone (Texas), redshirt senior
Kyle Hicks (Tennessee State), redshirt sophomore
Atticus Bertrams (Wisconsin), senior
Departures
Noe Ruelas (eligibility): 15 of 17 field goals; 64.3 yards per kickoff
Anthony Venneri (TBD): 40.7 yards per punt
Dalton Riggs (transfer to Ohio State)
Projected depth chart
PK1 — Will Stone
P1 — Atticus Bertrams
LS1 — Rocklyn Kelley
PR1 — Antione Jackson
KR1 — Duke Watson
PK2 — Noah McGough
P2 — Mason Denaburg
LS2 — Kyle Hicks
PR2 — Taevion Swint
KR2 — Josh Derry
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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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