Tight end Kylan Fox exits UCF for greener pastures. His departure creates a key vacancy, but incoming talent offers future solutions.
UCF has lost four players to the transfer portal since National Signing Day on Wednesday, and tight end Kylan Fox became the most recent to depart.
Fox told On3 Sports about his decision on Thursday. He joins defensive back Jyaire Brown as the second Knight to announce his intent to transfer that day.
The 6-foot-4 sophomore was part of a deep tight end serving with Dylan Wade, leading the charge as the primary offensive target. Fox caught 16 passes for 137 yards and one touchdown. His highlight moment of the season came against coach Bill Belichick's North Carolina squad in late September.
Wide open on a play, he caught a 17-yard touchdown to cement an excellent one-minute 17-second drive before halftime. Fox stepped up in the absence of Wade, who got injured, and praised his fellow position mates for their unique skill sets.
"We got all six guys that we think can go," Fox said. "Our coach trusts all of us, and we all just bring something different. I think we all bring something that can help us win."
Fox's departure is due to a decreased role once Wade returned from injury. He was a healthy scratch in four games: Cincinnati (Oct. 11), Baylor (Nov. 1), Houston (Nov. 7) and Oklahoma State (Nov. 22).
The Georgia native recorded three catches for 19 yards in UCF's final three games. His intention to transfer creates a hole behind Wade. Caden Piening dealt with injuries, and Max Drag was utilized more as an extra blocker than a receiver.
Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper can navigate Fox's departure by platooning, meaning he plays two tight ends at times.
"We do a lot of different things, like we've talked back in fall camp about what the tight end position really is," Cooper said. "It's the Swiss Army knife of the offense. So, it's good to see all those guys make some plays, but they're learning and growing, and we're not there yet. And that's the cool thing about this game is we get to go back to work tomorrow and continue to get better. And I like to think that we're just going to continue to get better, but we're going to see all those guys play."
Fox intends to take his talents elsewhere, leveraging the 60+ offers he received in high school. His transfer news shakes up the tight end room, but incoming freshman Brooks Hall could fill the hole Fox opened next season.