Be very happy.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-nfl-defensive-backs-20170505-story.html
Move over ‘Wide Receiver U’ and welcome in the defensive backs factory otherwise known as UCF football.
At least, that’s one conclusion Knights fans can draw these days as UCF saw a record number five defensive backs — including all four starters from 2016 — sign NFL contracts within the same month.
“DBU. It’s definitely DBU especially as long as I’m there,” UCF secondary coach Travis Fisher said with a chuckle.
Shaquill Griffin was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks while his fellow starters from the 2016 season each signed free agent contracts: T.J. Mutcherson (Houston Texans), Drico Johnson (Arizona Cardinals) and D.J. Killings (New England Patriots).
Perhaps the most underrated aspect to the NFL signings is Jeremy Boykins, who signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans. He came to UCF with his twin brother Jerod as a walk-on in 2015.
Several teams reached out to Boykins, who turned in a strong Pro Day at UCF having run a 4.4 40-yard dash according to Fisher. His larger 6-foot-3 build also appealed to NFL scouts.
“Jeremy has a lot of upside,” Fisher said. “His strength is press coverage. He’s very good with his hands, he’s long, which is what the NFL wants. A lot of teams wanted Jeremy.”
UCF has seen its share of defensive backs create successful careers in the NFL with, perhaps, one of the latest being A.J. Bouye, who recently signed a $67.5 million dollar contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bouye entered the league as an undrafted free agent.
Detroit Lionsand Seattle Seahawks.
But UCF reached unprecedented territory this season during draft season. Fisher took it as a personal mission to send as many players to the pros as he could especially after those players endured the hardship of a winless 2015 season.
He added a daily production chart to his film room last spring so players could tangibly witness their progress. Fisher worked to build more confidence in his players and cleaned up their technique.
“At the end of the day, somebody is gonna judge you for the rest of your life on those 30 minutes,” Fisher said referring to the importance of strong Pro Day performances. “Everyday we go to practice, you have to train yourself for those 30 minutes.”
Fisher believes all five players have chances to have long careers in the NFL, particularly Killings and Mutcherson. Killings’ intellect and strong intermediate game can make him a valuable nickelback. Mutcherson’s speed, strength and versatility can make him a weapon on both defense and special teams.
And Griffin must be prepared to challenge for a starting position in Seattle immediately.
“It makes you feel good when you see guys having a chance to live out some dreams,” Fisher said. “I told them that when I first started coaching them that if they would just listen, they’d have a chance and I’d do my part on my end to make sure I’d help them reach those goals.”
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-nfl-defensive-backs-20170505-story.html
Move over ‘Wide Receiver U’ and welcome in the defensive backs factory otherwise known as UCF football.
At least, that’s one conclusion Knights fans can draw these days as UCF saw a record number five defensive backs — including all four starters from 2016 — sign NFL contracts within the same month.
“DBU. It’s definitely DBU especially as long as I’m there,” UCF secondary coach Travis Fisher said with a chuckle.
Shaquill Griffin was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks while his fellow starters from the 2016 season each signed free agent contracts: T.J. Mutcherson (Houston Texans), Drico Johnson (Arizona Cardinals) and D.J. Killings (New England Patriots).
Perhaps the most underrated aspect to the NFL signings is Jeremy Boykins, who signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans. He came to UCF with his twin brother Jerod as a walk-on in 2015.
Several teams reached out to Boykins, who turned in a strong Pro Day at UCF having run a 4.4 40-yard dash according to Fisher. His larger 6-foot-3 build also appealed to NFL scouts.
“Jeremy has a lot of upside,” Fisher said. “His strength is press coverage. He’s very good with his hands, he’s long, which is what the NFL wants. A lot of teams wanted Jeremy.”
UCF has seen its share of defensive backs create successful careers in the NFL with, perhaps, one of the latest being A.J. Bouye, who recently signed a $67.5 million dollar contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bouye entered the league as an undrafted free agent.
Detroit Lionsand Seattle Seahawks.
But UCF reached unprecedented territory this season during draft season. Fisher took it as a personal mission to send as many players to the pros as he could especially after those players endured the hardship of a winless 2015 season.
He added a daily production chart to his film room last spring so players could tangibly witness their progress. Fisher worked to build more confidence in his players and cleaned up their technique.
“At the end of the day, somebody is gonna judge you for the rest of your life on those 30 minutes,” Fisher said referring to the importance of strong Pro Day performances. “Everyday we go to practice, you have to train yourself for those 30 minutes.”
Fisher believes all five players have chances to have long careers in the NFL, particularly Killings and Mutcherson. Killings’ intellect and strong intermediate game can make him a valuable nickelback. Mutcherson’s speed, strength and versatility can make him a weapon on both defense and special teams.
And Griffin must be prepared to challenge for a starting position in Seattle immediately.
“It makes you feel good when you see guys having a chance to live out some dreams,” Fisher said. “I told them that when I first started coaching them that if they would just listen, they’d have a chance and I’d do my part on my end to make sure I’d help them reach those goals.”
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