Former UCF DL Joshua Celiscar will transfer to Texas A&M

Texas A&M picks up another experienced defensive lineman in former UCF defensive end Joshua Celiscar

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is getting run help with a productive defensive lineman out of Florida.

Defensive line coaches Sean Spencer and Tony Jerod-Eddie will add senior defensive end Joshua Celiscar from the University of Central Florida. After having a little bit of a down year in 2023, a change of scenery can be exactly what Celiscar needs to return to his 2022 form.

The 6-4 265 pounds DE was named an Honorable Mention All-ACC pick during his junior year where he had three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

With the spring portal opening soon expect more names to flow in and out of College Station as players start to key in on where they might fall on the roster. No doubt Elko is keeping his ear to the portal streets looking for ways to improve his team.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 48, UCF OT Tylan Grable

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is UCF offensive tackle Tylan Grable.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

Bolster the offensive line. That’s a bullet point on Brian Gutekunst’s “To Do List”, this offseason. If the Green Bay Packers were to play a game tomorrow the starting offensive line would be a formidable group. The depth behind Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom is lacking. 

Tylan Grable is a player that Green Bay’s general manager could target on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, as he looks to depth to the Great Wall of Lambeau. The University of Central Florida offensive tackle checks in at No. 48 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Grable, a Georgia native played quarterback during his prep career. He started his collegiate career at Jacksonville State and played tight end and offensive line.

Grable transferred to UCF for the 2022 season and started 14 games at left tackle. This past season Grable started 13 games at left tackle.

“Grable’s biggest strength might be his durability,” Matt Murschel, a college writer for the Orlando Sentinel, said. “He started all 27 games during his two seasons at UCF and played more than 1,800 offensive snaps for the Knights. He was a rock at the left tackle spot, which was a plus for the program, which was forced to use four different players at center last season. He even began working out at the center, anticipating it could help him at the next level.”

Grable is an outstanding athlete and gets on top of defenders quickly. The former quarterback turned tight end, turned offensive tackle moves like a tight end. He has nimble feet and is comfortable out in space. He latches onto a defender and uses his upper body strength to control them. 

“According to Pro Football Focus, he was the highest-graded run blocker on the offensive line, which is attributed to UCF’s success in running football in the past two seasons,” Murschel said. “Most of the Knights’ rushing yards came from Grable’s side of the offensive line.”

Grable has good speed of the snap with the lateral quickness to win the corner. He has active hands to slow down defenders. According to PFF, Grable gave up zero sacks and 10 pressures this past season. Quite an improvement from the year prior when he gave up five sacks and 25 pressures. 

“Grable is quick for his size, as demonstrated by his 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine,” Murschel said. “It’s helped him stay ahead of pass rushers. He also greatly understands the offense, which helps him know where everyone needs to be.”

Grable put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. He clocked a 4.95 40-yard dash time, with a 1.69 10-yard split. Along with that blazing time at 306 pounds, Grable posted a 36.5-inch vertical jump.

Fit with the Packers

Grable is fairly new to playing offensive tackle. Given his athleticism and the improvement he’s shown throughout his collegiate career, it’s safe to assume that upward trajectory will continue. The Packers have a rich history of developing Day 3 picks and one would have to assume that they’d like to get their hands on a player with Grable’s potential. 

“It’s important to find a durable offensive lineman with the versatility to move around if needed,” Murschel said. “His understanding of the offense shows his commitment to doing what it takes to be successful.”

Grable started 27 games at left tackle over the past two seasons and logged two snaps at right guard this past season. The Jacksonville State transfer has taken snaps at center during practice. Given Green Bay’s history of drafting college offensive tackles and kicking them inside, it’s possible that the Packers could envision Grable as a guard. 

The Packers own six picks on Day 3 of the draft. With his athleticism, Grable would be well worth the gamble and could serve as the team’s swing tackle, while potentially providing depth along the interior.

Seahawks hosting UCF quarterback prospect for top-30 visit

According to Pete Nakos at On3, the team is hosting former Ole Miss and UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee for an official top-30 visit.

The Seahawks may have traded for Sam Howell, but apparently they’re not done looking at quarterbacks ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.

According to Pete Nakos at On3, the team is hosting former Ole Miss and UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee for an official top-30 visit.

Plumlee (6-foot-0, 200 pounds) played his first three college seasons at Mississippi, appearing in 29 games. In 2022 he transferred to UCF and was elevated to a starting role. In 23 games there he posted nearly 5,000 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and a 141.3 rating.

While his passing numbers don’t exactly scream NFL future, Plumlee is undeniably an excellent rushing quarterback. All together he had 453 carries in college, totaling over 2,500 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Here’s a look at some of his highlights from Ole Miss.

And here’s some from UCF.

Plumlee was not invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, so we don’t have measurables as of yet. He will participate in the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day next week, though. Plumlee is generally ranked near the bottom of this quarterback class, which gives him a late Day 3 or UDFA projection.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Grading Seattle’s second wave of free agent signings, trades

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Lady Vols defeat Oregon State, UCF at Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Tennessee wins two games on the second day of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.

No. 5 Tennessee (7-3) won two games during the second day of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic Saturday in Cathedral City, California.

The Lady Vols defeated Oregon State, 6-1, and shut out UCF, 3-0.

Tennessee opened the day with a victory over the Beavers (6-8).

Kiki Milloy, Rylie West and Sophia Nugent each hit solo home runs against Oregon State.

West went 2-for-3, while Milloy hit her 59th career home run in the contest.

Tennessee’s Payton Gotshall (3-2) pitched a complete game. She allowed four hits and one run, while recording nine strikeouts.

Against UCF, West went 3-for-4 with one double and one run, while Taylor Pannell hit a two-run double.

The Lady Vols totaled eight hits and committed three errors against UCF (7-6).

Karlyn Pickens (4-1) pitched a complete game, allowing six hits and two walks. She recorded 14 strikeouts.

No. 20 Lady Vols sweep UCF, 4-0

No. 20 Lady Vols sweep UCF, 4-0.

No. 20 Tennessee (7-2) defeated UCF (1-4), 4-0, on Friday at USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.

“Overall, I felt like our girls did a fantastic job of coming out and competing from start to finish,” Tennessee head coach Alison Ojeda said. “UCF is a very good team, so we knew for sure that we were going to be battling on every single court. I think the girls have continued to do a really good job of showing that we know how to play doubles. Very proud of our team.”

Tennessee-UCF tennis results

Singles

1. #31 Sofia Cabezas (TENN) def. Sophia Biolay (UCF) 6-2, 6-4

2. Olivia Lincer (UCF) vs. Elza Tomase (TENN) 6-2, 6-5, unfinished

3. Jantje Tilbuerger (UCF) vs. #94 Alana Wolfberg (TENN) 4-6, 4-3, unfinished

4. #83 Catherine Aulia (TENN) def. Noel Saidenova (UCF) 6-2, 6-1

5. Anique Kattenberg (UCF) vs. Esther Adeshina (TENN) 7-5, 4-4, unfinished

6. #125 Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) def. Jaleesa Leslie (UCF) 6-4, 6-3

Order of finish: 4,1,6

Doubles

1. Noel Saidenova/Anique Kattenberg (UCF) vs. #29 Elza Tomase/Sofia Cabezas (TENN) 5-4, unfinished

2. #52 Alana Wolfberg/Esther Adeshina (TENN) def. Jantje Tilbuerger/Olivia Lincer (UCF) 6-3

3. Lauren Anzalotta/Catherine Aulia (TENN) def. Sophia Biolay/Stefani Webb (UCF) 6-3

Order of finish: 2,3

Nic Anderson named a freshman All-American by FWAA

The accolades keep on coming as Nic Anderson was named a freshman All-American by FWAA.

We are nearly a month since the 2023 college football season for the Oklahoma Sooners came to a close. Still, the accolades keep on coming for the Sooners.

This time, it’s for wide receiver [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag]. Anderson was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team, the FWAA announced Tuesday. Anderson joins [autotag]Marvin Mims Jr.[/autotag] as the only Sooners to be recognized by the FWAA as freshman All-Americans.

Anderson finished the year with 798 yards and 10 touchdowns on 38 receptions. His 10 touchdowns were a school freshman record, and his 798 receiving yards are the second most ever by an OU freshman, falling nine yards short of [autotag]CeeDee Lamb[/autotag]’s record.

He ranked fifth nationally with his 21.0 yards per reception and he registered at least 100 receiving yards three times on the year and 90 or more receiving yards in five games.

Anderson was a touchdown machine. He scored multiple touchdowns twice this season. His coming out party was when he snagged three touchdowns on three receptions with a season-high 120 yards at [autotag]Tulsa[/autotag].

He also scored twice while gaining 105 yards on five catches against [autotag]UCF[/autotag]. His most memorable play was when he caught the game-winning touchdown against the Texas Longhorns with 15 seconds remaining.

He had 119 yards on four catches against [autotag]West Virginia[/autotag]. He made his record-setting 10th touchdown on a great catch in the [autotag]Alamo Bowl[/autotag] against [autotag]Arizona[/autotag] on a great throw by [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag].

Anderson was also named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Josh Heupel reflects on returning to Orlando

Josh Heupel reflects on returning to UCF in Orlando.

Josh Heupel served as UCF’s head coach from 2018-20.

He compiled a 28-8 record and won the American Athletic Conference championship in 2018.

Tennessee practiced at UCF on Wednesday in preparation for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida versus Iowa.

Heupel discussed being back in Orlando and practicing at UCF where he previously coached.

“A lot of our staff, too, was here as well,” Heupel said. “Their administration has been great hosting us this week. A lot of great memories. Middle part of the week we’ve got a night where a bunch of former players are coming over to the hotel, and it will be awesome just to catch up with those guys.”

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

UCF gets commitments from three 4-star recruits from the class of 2024

This week the Knights have made a series of splashy recruitments in the 2024 cycle.

With several prominent and more-powerful programs within their own state, you don’t normally hear much about the University of Central Florida (UCF) in the recruiting game. This week the Knights have made a series of splashy recruitments in the 2024 cycle, though.

First, on Monday, UCF got a commitment from a four-star running back. Then yesterday, two more blue-chip recruits in the class of 2024 announced their commitments to the Knights. Here’s who they are and where they come from at the high school level.

Oak Ridge (Texas) RB Frankie Arthur

Arthur (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) is ranked as high as No. 5 at his position and had offers from 18 other schools, including SMU, Memphis and Oregon.

Rockledge (Fla.) S Jaylen Heyward

ESPN has Heyward ranked No. 2 among safeties in his class and No. 71 nationally. Aside from UCF Heyward, (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) got offers from 35 other programs, including Georgia, Miami, Alabama and Auburn.

Carrollwood Day (Fla.) WR Bredell Richardson

Nobody is higher on Richardson 6-foot-1, 185 pounds) than Rivals, who have him ranked No. 22 in Florida, No. 23 at wide receiver and No. 128 nationally. He was an extremely popular recruit, getting offers from a total of 47 different programs. That list includes Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State and South Carolina.

UCF’s class of 2024 now has 17 hard commits, and as a group, they are ranked No. 25 in the nation.

More football stories

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4-star DB, former Georgia commit, verbally commits to UCF

Former Georgia commit becomes UCF’s top commitment of all-time. UGA football is back to the drawing board at safety in the 2024 cycle.

The Georgia Bulldogs recently lost a commitment from four-star safety recruit Jaylen Heyward. Now, Heyward has committed to the UCF Knights. Heyward did not previously have the Knights in his top schools.

Heyward is electing to stay close to home and play for UCF. His recruitment is not over, but for now he is UCF’s highest ranked commitment of all-time.

Jaylen Heyward plays high school football for Rockledge High School in Rockledge, Florida. Rockledge, Florida, is located southeast of Orlando. Heyward has committed to play in the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game.

The 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back is the fifth-ranked safety in the class of 2024. Heyward is the No. 78 recruit in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 11 player in Florida, per 247Sports.

Jaylen Heyward runs an impressive 10.68 second time in the 100-meter dash. Heyward’s speed helped him be selected to the 247Sports’ All-Combine Team last year.

Georgia’s safety position should be set for years to come with players like Malaki Starks, Joenel Aguero and David Daniel-Sisavanh. However, the Bulldogs need to target a new safety recruit after recently losing a pair of commitments.

Georgia football has the top ranked class of 2024 in the nation. In addition to Jaylen Heyward, Georgia recently lost a commitment from four-star safety Peyton Woodyard.

Heyward announced his commitment to UCF via social media:

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Boy who got prosthetic arm from ‘Iron Man’ now playing linebacker in high school

These days Pring is doing a bit of heroic work of his own.

In 2014, Alex Pring was gifted a 3D-printed prosthetic arm by “Iron Man” actor Robert Downey Jr., made by student engineers at UCF. These days Pring is doing a bit of heroic work of his own.

According to Catherine Silver at Click Orlando, Pring is now playing linebacker at South Lake High School (Fla.).

Obviously, that comes with unique challenges for an athlete with only one arm, but Pring overcomes it with his work ethic. He told Silver that he’s working three times as hard as anyone else.

“I have had to overcome so many things… Whether it’s in the weight room, how to tackle, how to run. It’s like learning to walk again. It’s a lot… I have put in my work. I think I am putting in three times as much work as most people.”

While it’s a long shot for any footballer, there is a precedent for Pring to follow if he has hopes of playing the game at its highest level.

Former Lakewood (Fla.) and UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin only has one hand, and he was drafted into the NFL by the Seattle Seahawks back in 2018. He played four seasons in the league before announcing his retirement last August.

More football stories

Georgia keeps four-star OL recruit Daniel Calhoun in-state

Avery Williamson named LBs coach at Tennessee high school