UCF's Defensive Line Anchoring DC Grinch's Unit

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UCF's 3-1 start can be attributed to multiple different things, but the overall performance from the Knights' defense sits atop the list.

UCF has allowed 13 or less points to opposing teams in all but one game this season, while forcing five turnovers.

Takeaways were the theme of Saturday's Big 12 opening victory over TCU, as the Knights recorded two interceptions and two recovered fumbles to lead them to a 21-13 win.

The Knight's rushing defense has been stout, with the defensive line setting the line of scrimmage and imposing their will in the trenches.

Following their conference win, UCF's D-line was graded within the top-10 nationwide, tying No. 1 ranked Texas with an 88.6.

The Horned Frogs had virtually no rhythm on the ground, averaging just 1.2 yards per carry.

Junior running back Jeremy Payne, who is one of TCU's most explosive players, was held beneath 79 rushing yards for the first time this season, mustering just 48 on 15 attempts.

This ability to shut down one aspect of opposing offense's attacks has paid dividends through the early portion of the season, with teams being forced to put the ball in the air more often.

This has led to players like Demari Henderson and Jayden Bellamy finding opportunities to strike in the secondary.

The production from UCF's big boys in the middle, like Horace Lockett and Jeffson Lafontant, has been consistent, with both players being ranked among the top interior linemen in the country.

On Saturday, Lafontant had a monster game, recording a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss, and four overall takedowns.

The former Bethune-Cookman Wildcat played a minor role on last year's UCF squad, but has made the most of his increased opportunity and familarity with the program.

This additional comfortability was something stressed by longtime Knights defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin in the offseason, who has been with the program for the past four seasons.

"I'm thrilled of the group that I got. Like, all these guys came here and they worked. Last year, y'all heard me talk about taking baby steps because we wasn't close to where we were because everybody was so young," Martin said. "But man, this year, we got a whole bunch of older guys, experienced guys. So, I'm not teaching them how to practice, right? I'm teaching them what to do. So, again, that's that's been the thrill of of a coach. I kind of get to really coach football, get into the real details and and take it to another level."

This has been the exact result for Martin's group, as the unit looks connected and continues to stifle opposing rushing attacks.

Saturday will provide the biggest test yet, traveling to face off against the No. 20 Houston Cougars, who are averaging over 248 yards per game on the ground.

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