Bellamy dominates the Big 12, forcing incompletions and earning a top 10 cornerback grade. His impactful plays are shaping UCF's future.
In Jayden Bellamy's first season donning the black and gold UCF colors, he's left his mark in the Big 12, finishing as a top 10 graded cornerback in the conference.
Cam Mellor, the chief analytics officer of Pro Football and Sports Network, posted PFSN's final stats for the highest-graded cornerbacks and most forced incompletions Thursday morning.
Bellamy was first in most forced incompletions with 11 and finished as the sixth-ranked cornerback in the Big 12. He had an 85.1 rating, 3.3 points higher than Jay'Vion Cole, who was ranked below him.
The 6-foot-1 New Jersey native said he wanted to leave his mark on the Big 12 last season, and appearing on PFSN stats accomplished that goal.
"I feel like just having a chip on my shoulder," Bellamy said. "I always kept a chip on my shoulder, and, you know, I just feel like coming into the Big 12, I feel like just trying to make a mark for my name. I feel like I've been doing that, and I feel like I'm just trying to establish my name and just get it out there."
The redshirt junior had a stellar season with the Knights. He recorded 27 tackles (20 solo), nine passes defended, eight pass breakups and an interception.
Before UCF's season-ending loss to then-No. 11 Brigham Young on Nov. 29, Bellamy reflected on his journey in the Big 12.
"[I'm] not really familiar with the Big 12 and what they try to do with their schemes and stuff like that," Bellamy said. "So I really just came into the season trying to do my job to the best of my ability — to my 100% — and don't chase plays, the plays [are] just going to come to you. And as we've seen, the plays just come to me, and I just make a play."
Bellamy's mentality played a significant role in leaving his mark on the Big 12 and being the catalyst behind game-changing plays. Last season, two of his pass breakups led to interceptions.
His first came against North Carolina in the red zone. Bellamy's second came against Oklahoma State on Senior Knight, and his teammate, Braeden Marshall, came up with the game-sealing interception.
Bellamy's impact is what made coach Scott Frost highlight him as a player he wants to build his program around.
The redshirt junior's role next season could expand off the field as one of the leaders of the defensive back room. Bellamy said he's looking forward to accepting that role and is aware of the expectations.
"It means a lot just to lead the team," Bellamy said. "I know people are going to be looking at me as a leader and stuff like that."