UCF DC Alex Grinch Praises DT Jeffson Lafontant’s Growth

Jeffson Lafontant is breaking out as a junior for the UCF Knights and is developing into an anchor at defensive tackle.

Lafontant leads his position with 21 tackles (12 solo, 9 assisted) and two sacks this season. Horace Lockett trails with 17 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

He recorded his first sack against the TCU Horned Frogs on Sept. 26 and his second against then-No. 18 Oklahoma State on Oct. 10. His ability to win one-on-ones and rush the backfield created advantages for the defense.

The 6-foot-3 defensive tackle registered a hurry against quarterback Jaden Craig in TCU's second-to-last drive in the fourth quarter. Craig threw an interception to defensive back Antione Jackson, sealing the Knights' first Big 12 home opener win since joining the conference in 2023.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch praised Lafontant's growth, saying he exhibits flashes of "quality football." He also said there are flashes of "close," a common defensive trend for UCF.

"We're next to the guy as he's catching it," Grinch said during Tuesday's media availability. "We're next to the guy as he's throwing it."

Grinch emphasized winning the "fraction of a second" that changes the outcome of plays.

The Knights' pass rush has struggled to generate sacks in the past two games because they've faced elite offensive lines. Oklahoma State has allowed five sacks, and No. 14 Houston has allowed seven this season.

Winning one-on-ones often boils down to the fraction of a second Grinch referenced. Lafontant leads the team in sacks, suggesting he's been the best at winning individual matchups, but it isn't enough.

UCF will face another elite offensive line on Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House. Newly ranked No. 2 BYU will roll into Orlando as the highest-ranked program to visit.

The Cougars' offensive line ties with Kansas State for the fewest sacks allowed. Both programs have allowed three sacks, and the Wildcats are falling from the throne with poor performances in their last two games.

Lafontant is facing a dual-threat quarterback in Bear Bachmeier. He's thrown for 1,257 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions, and rushed for 284 yards and six touchdowns.

Bachmeier's versatility powered BYU to an upset over then-No. 2 Notre Dame. The sophomore threw for 224 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and rushed for 45 yards and two touchdowns.

Lafontant proved he can win one-on-ones against some of the conference's best offensive lines, and he's an X-factor for a potential UCF upset.