The Knights' defensive run game coordinator, Mike Dawson, is making waves in the Big 12 as he gears up for the 2026 season. With two of his former protégés, Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, now showcasing their skills in the NFL, Dawson is proving his mettle as a top-tier EDGE coach. Recognized as the third-best in the conference by Matrix Analytical, Dawson stands alongside Kansas State's Buddy Wyatt and Utah's Inoke Breckterfield, solidifying his reputation in the collegiate coaching world.
Lawrence and Kelly were instrumental in creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks during their time at UCF, amassing impressive stats with 10 sacks, 74 tackles (50 solo), 18.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Lawrence's talents were rewarded when the Dallas Cowboys picked him 23rd overall, making him the highest-drafted defensive player in UCF's history. Meanwhile, Kelly's journey to the NFL saw him sign with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent, securing a contract with significant guarantees.
Both players have made a strong impression in their respective rookie camps, and they're poised to continue their progress as they enter training camp. But with Lawrence and Kelly moving on, UCF's defense is looking to a new crop of players to carry the torch.
Returning to the fold are Sincere Edwards, Aymeric Koumba, and Isaiah Nixon, who are already well-versed in Dawson's coaching philosophy. Dawson expressed confidence in their familiarity with his system, noting, "They kind of know my language, know my style, and they know the drills and things like that, which has been great."
Adding to the mix are transfers Ken Talley, Bruno Dall, and LA Jesse Harrold. Dall comes in with a solid resume, having earned third-team All-MAC honors last season with 44 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and an interception for Akron. Talley, who showed promise at Michigan State, and Harrold, a redshirt freshman with a four-star high school pedigree, bring potential and fresh energy to the lineup.
Last season, UCF ranked eighth in sacks with 26, and Lawrence and Kelly were responsible for nearly 40% of that total. As they move on, the onus is on their successors to replicate and build on that success. With a young and talented EDGE room, Dawson is poised to develop this group into a formidable force for the Knights in the upcoming season.
In Other News...
UCF Sent A Clear Message With Its Big 12 Media Day Picks
UCFs selection of four players for Big 12 football media day in Frisco says plenty about where the program sees its leadership core heading into the season. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III, offensive lineman Preston Cushman, defensive back Jayden Bellamy and linebacker Lewis Carter will represent the Knights, a group that mixes a promising new face at quarterback with two defenders expected to carry major responsibilities and a veteran lineman who stands as the lone returning starter up front.
Barnetts presence is especially notable because the transfer from James Madison has not yet taken a snap for UCF, but the staff clearly values the voice he brings to the locker room. On the other side of the ball, Bellamy and Carter are positioned to be central figures for a defense looking to define itself, while Cushmans return gives the offensive line at least one familiar anchor as the Knights head into the Big 12 spotlight. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Just Got Big 12 Validation In A Crucial Strength
UCFs special teams room is drawing some of the kind of attention that usually goes to offense or defense, and Pete Alamar is a big reason why. The Knights have already shown they can lean on that phase of the game, with Jaden Nixon, Antione Jackson and Noe Ruelas all turning in notable moments last season, and now Alamar is getting recognized around the Big 12 as one of the leagues top coordinators. For a program trying to keep stacking small edges, that kind of validation matters because it suggests UCFs kicking and return work is becoming a real weapon, not just a hidden bonus.
Pete Alamar also has real decisions ahead before the season settles in. The kicking job is still unsettled with Texas transfer Will Stone and Noah McGough both in the mix, while the return game is open enough that freshman Kaj Baker, redshirt freshman Taevion Swint and Louisville transfer Duke Watson are all being evaluated for opportunities. Watson is also part of the punt-return conversation, which only adds to the competition as UCF tries to replace last years production without losing the edge that made this unit stand out. [Read more 🡒]