UCF Star LB Lewis Cater, OL Owen Spell Out Against TCU

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UCF Knights star linebacker Lewis Carter and rotational offensive lineman Owen Spell will miss Saturday's Big 12 opener against the TCU Horned Frogs, according to Wednesday night's injury report.

Coach Scott Frost gave updates on Carter and Spell during last Saturday's postgame press conference. He said he was unaware the senior linebacker went to the medical tent for a knee injury late in UCF's win over Georgia State, and that Spell is dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Losing Carter is a huge blow to the defense. He's their leading tackler this season with 24, and he calls out the offense's adjustments.

The senior had a career season last year after transferring from Oklahoma. Carter led the team with 92 tackles and set career highs in tackles for loss, sacks, and fumbles.

He became a star at UCF. While at Oklahoma, he was a reserve linebacker and special teams player.

Wisconsin transfer Tackett Curtis, the second-leading tackler, will step up in Carter's absence. Curtis has 23 tackles and caught his first career interception last Saturday.

He is the most familiar with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch's playcalling, as the two spent time together at USC and Wisconsin.

Fifth-year Jayden Jennings, who is listed as probably, could start next to Curtis.

Jennings is a returner who played nine games last season with one start. He caught his first interception against the North Carolina A&T Aggies and his first fumble recovery against the Houston Cougars in the annual Space Games.

Old Dominion transfer Jahleel Culbreath is another starting option if Jennings is ruled out before game time. Culbreath has eight tackles this season, highlighting UCF's linebacker depth.

He was named to the Butkus Award watch list in the preseason after a strong season with the Monarchs.

The Old Dominion transfer finished last season with a career-best 71 tackles (ranked fourth on the team), nine tackles for loss and three sacks (ranked second). The former Monarch tied a single-game career high with nine tackles in a 21-7 victory over Liberty on Sept. 27.

Spell missing Saturday's game is a bit surprising. Frost said he was going to be fine, but it's likely a precautionary approach to ensure he doesn't reaggravate his injury.

The offensive line has struggled to create a clean pocket in non-conference play. They often allowed quick pressure, which forced the quarterback to rush passes or extend plays with his legs.

Injuries are piling up early for the Knights, and it comes ahead of their Big 12 opener. Their depth will have to step up and execute at a high level to start conference play strong.

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