Jacoby Glenn Emerging as Shutdown Corner for Central Florida Knights

The Central Florida Knights expected to be pretty good in 2013 but with one of the younger rosters in the country, many were tempering their expectations until 2014 when the team would be able to rely on a bit of experience. Nobody seems to have told that to the Knights, however, who are in control of their own destiny in the AAC title race and could lock up an automatic bid to a BCS bowl this season. One of the biggest reasons for their instant success this season has been the breakout freshman season of cornerback Jacoby Glenn.

Glenn has stepped up and thrived in the “field” corner position for UCF this season and is tied for the AAC lead with 11 passes defended on the season, including one interception. He’s come along quicker than coaches had anticipated that he would and provides a big presence in the secondary at 6-foot, 176 pounds. His ability to defend the pass on the wide side of the field this season has helped the Knights’ defense rank among the best in the AAC as Glenn acts as a perfect compliment to senior Sean Maag (two interceptions on the season) on the other side.

His coverage ability will undoubtedly be put to the test this week with the Houston Cougars coming to town. Houston has averaged 41.1 points per game this season (No. 1 in the AAC) thanks in no small part to their passing game and sophomore receiver Deontay Greenberry, who leads the conference in receiving with 948 yards on 62 catches with nine touchdowns. If UCF hopes to take care of business on Saturday, they’ll need to slow down Greenberry and the Houston passing attack which means major contributions from Glenn.

Most times, opposing teams will find the least experienced player on the defense and pick on him with plays designed to take advantage of him. That hasn’t worked against UCF in 2013 as Glenn has answered the challenge week in and week out. Can he be a difference maker again this week?

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