UCF EDGE Hatch, DB Porcher Impressed DC Alex Grinch

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UCF's second- and third-stringers made their impact in last Thursday's 73-6 victory over Bethune-Cookman, and a few Knights impressed defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

Grinch highlighted EDGE Quentin Hatch and defensive back Tyce Porcher as the two who maximized their on-field time, alongside other players who entered the game.

Hatch has played two games for the Knights in his career, and both appearances took place in the 2024 season as a redshirt sophomore. He recorded no stats that season and the following year, when he appeared in only one game.

UCF's blowout allowed him to play several snaps last Thursday, but he earned his playing time in the offseason during practices. Grinch said Hatch has a nickname in practice, and what he's achieved in practice translated to on-field production.

"We'd like to call him point-of-attack Hatch," Grinch said during Tuesday's media availability. "When we put him into practice, he makes plays, and he did in the game as well."

Hatch tallied a career-high three tackles (one solo and two assisted).

Porcher had a unique journey leading up to his debut. The freshman defensive back is a walk-on, and Grinch said he was thrilled to see him and everybody else make plays, as a former player who never played at the Division I level.

"This is a Division III guy you're talking to that's never got a chance to play Division I football," Grinch said. "A bunch of guys got an opportunity the other night, which is really cool."

The second- and third-stringers getting playing time highlights how dominant UCF's offense and defense are, even though Bethune-Cookman is an FCS program.

Week 1 became the perfect opportunity for the young players to impress their coaches in limited snaps. They likely will not have the same chance to play on Saturday, as the Knights face the Pittsburgh Panthers, another Power Four program.

The Panthers opened their season with a 59-14 win over Miami (OH), powered by quarterback Mason Heintschel's 450-plus-yard, seven-touchdown performance.

Grinch's defense is game-planning to contain Heintschel, who excels at extending broken plays with his legs. Defensive tackle Horace Locett said the goal is to "cage the quarterback," as they attempt to pressure Heintschel and close gaps that open up scrambling opportunities.

UCF had one of the best team performances in Week 1, and Heintschel had one of the best quarterback performances, even besting Miami's Darian Mensah.

The Knights have an early test on their hands facing another Power Four program early in the season.

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