Naples standout Akhcuonam Augustin solidifies the Knights' 2027 class, choosing home-state loyalty and staff connections over rival offers to bolster Orlando’s future defensive front.
The UCF Knights’ 2027 recruiting class got deeper and stronger after they received a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Akhcuonam Augustin, landing another in-state recruit.
Augustin’s commitment to UCF comes after going on four official visits throughout June. No other program stood out to the Naples native as much as the Knights did during his visit several weeks ago.
“UCF feels like home,” Augustin told UCFSports’ Brandon Helwig. “I feel like I really connected with everybody on the staff and I just felt wanted.”
The 6-foot-4 defensive lineman becomes the 15th commit of the 2027 class and 11th in-state recruit. Coach Scott Frost and his staff have significant impressed recruits during their official visits and their effort left a mark on Augustin even when he toured other schools.
Frost emphasized finding hidden, local gems in UCF’s backyard and he has done well landing over 10 in-state recruits. Augustin plays for Barron Collier High School in Naples — about four hours away from Orlando.
He recorded 33 tackles (23 solo), nine TFL, six sacks, two quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery in his junior campaign. Augustin returned his lone recovery for 73 yards in Barron Collier's loss to Estero High School.
UCF’s defensive linemen group will see five seniors depart after next season. It will free up reps for Augustin when he arrives on campus and competes for a depth spot on the roster.
Augustin is the lone defensive lineman commit for the Knights. Noah Robinson and Dontallis Render — both local talents — are lining up on the edges, attempting to follow in the steps of NFL Knights Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence.
The Knights’ recruiting class has significantly grown in the last two weeks. They flipped McDuffie from Syracuse, added Render, running back Omari St. Fort and more all within days of each other.
A possible factor for in-state recruits committing to UCF over other programs is proximity. They get to play Power Four football in their home state and their parents can attend games.
“Florida kids in particular, can stay close to home and play big time football, near their family,” Frost told reporters on Dec. 3. “This university kind of speaks for itself and the city of Orlando speaks for itself.”
Although Augustin took four other official visits, the proximity to home and how the UCF staff treated him, overshadowed what other programs could offer. He becomes a strong addition to an ever growing 2027 recruiting class.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
