Jacoby Glenn Will Emerge as Defensive Star for Central Florida Knights in 2014

The Central Florida Knights will be trying to maintain their incredible level of success from 2013 with a host of new faces stepping into the starting lineup this fall. While their offense loses a ton of key contributors that will require new stars to step up, the defense maintains a lot of experienced talent and should take a step forward in 2014. The biggest reason why could be the continued development of cornerback Jacoby Glenn.

As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Glenn stepped up and earned a spot in the starting lineup. He finished the year with 52 tackles, two interceptions, and 15 pass breakups while earning first team All-American Athletic Conference. Glenn is an emerging star in the secondary and should step up as a leader for a Knights defense that will be a major component of UCF’s success this fall.

Last season, UCF enjoyed a strong showing from their defense, particularly against the pass, ranking No. 4 in the AAC in pass defense. They should be even better this fall with the return of starters like Glenn, and with the departure of the conferences top three quarterbacks from 2013. The continuity on defense centered around the emerging starpower of Glenn should allow the Knights to boast one of the best pass defenses in the conference in 2014.

The Knights will undoubtedly suffer some growing pains offensively after losing so much experience. That will put the pressure on the defense to carry the team as they look to defend their conference title in 2014 and put players like Jacoby Glenn into the spotlight as a leader for the team.

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