The Knights ignited their 2027 recruiting class by securing two explosive in-state playmakers, fortifying the roster's future depth with high-upside talent from the Sunshine State’s fertile ground.
The UCF Knights secured back-to-back commitments from class of 2027 recruits within a few-minute span Sunday afternoon; running back Omari St. Fort and EDGE Dontallis Render.
Both are in-state recruits, a bounce back after UCF lost out on other local talents. St. Fort announced his commitment on X, and MagicRoundtable and Knights247 reporter Andrew Cherico broke news of Render's commitment.
The Knights landed Render right after he completed his official visit to Orlando this weekend. Proximity played a significant factor for the Vero Beach native, and he has high expectations for himself in the Black and Gold.
"I want to make the program great," Render told Cherico. "And be the next best defensive end to come out of UCF."
Render chose UCF over programs like Boston College, Syracuse and Georgia State. The 6-foot-4 EDGE plays for Vero Beach High School and recorded 23 tackles (eight solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack for the Fighting Indians.
He also played some snaps at tight end, hauling in three receptions for 24 yards. Render will join a young defensive end room, as it is a senior-laden position group in 2026.
Aymeric Koumba, Bruno Dall, Sincere Edwards, Isaiah Nixon, LA Jesse Harold and Alhassan Iddrissu will be UCF's EDGE depth in 2027. Render aims to follow in Malachi Lawrence's footsteps to become the next best defensive end to represent the Knights.
St. Fort is a 6-foot running back and also spreads out to wide receiver for Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach. He chose UCF over schools like UConn, East Carolina and UCLA.
He rushed for 734 yards and eight touchdowns on 98 carries last season for the Eagles. When Atlantic used St. Fort as a receiver, he hauled in 108 yards and a touchdown on 17 receptions.
Like the defensive end room, St. Fort will join a deep running back room. Landen Chambers and Duke Watson will be seniors by the time the young recruits arrive. He'll also compete with other young players, like Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV.
St. Fort and Render become the sixth and seventh commits of the 2027 class, and are the fifth and sixth in-state recruits. However, while their commitment is significant for UCF, the team must keep them committed.
The Knights witnessed three-star running back Connail Jackson decommit from the program on Wednesday. They recouped some losses by landing Render and St. Fort, which is a positive sign.
UCF's class of 2027 is taking form, and its in-state connections are playing a significant role in landing young talent.
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