From "Scary Derry’s" explosive deep-threat speed to Taevion Swint’s high-stakes return from injury, these two playmakers are primed to ignite Scott Frost’s dynamic Big 12 offense.
The UCF Knights have two lesser-known talents in the Big 12 that Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of CBS Sports believe are poised for breakout seasons.
Zenitz and Hummer highlighted Monmouth transfer wide receiver Josh Derry and redshirt freshman running back Taevion Swint. Both players could become vital contributors in coach Scott Frost's offense.
Derry is a 5-foot-9 speedster and earned the nickname "Scary Derry." He was Monmouth's lead receiver and had a productive seasons at the FCS level.
The former Hawk hauled in 133 catches for 2,018 yards and 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons. His productivity carried over to the Power Four level, as he had a strong spring for the Knights.
He brings versatility to a deep, wide receiver corps, led by returners Duane Thomas Jr. and Waden Charles. Derry's speed can help unlock the deep passing game or make big yardage plays more frequent for UCF's offense.
"It's a scary sight for a defense to see me, you know, running over past them on a deep route or catching the ball and going for 70 yards," Derry told reporters on April 18. "So just, you know, scaring scaring coaches and the defense."
Swint lost his freshman season to a knee injury he suffered during fall camp. Coming into the spring healthy, the former four-star running back wants to prove himself at the college level.
He is a part of a deep running back room with Central Arkansas transfer Landen Chambers, Louisville transfer Duke Watson and freshmen Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV. The position group has big shoes to fill after the departures of Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon.
The duo combined for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Now, there isn't a tailback that has rushed for more than 63 yards, meaning every player has a lot to prove next season.
Frost said Swint is an X-factor for UCF with his speed and potential to make big plays. His high school days playing for the Osceola Kowboys -- 45 minutes away from campus -- support Frost's comments on the young running back.
The former Kowboy recorded 1,778 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in his senior season, leading his team to the state championship game. Swint rushed for over 100 yards 23 times in his high school career.
As the 2026 season is around the corner, Frost and his staff have found contributors at all levels. Combining big-name players, like Alonza Barnett III, and lesser-known players, like Derry and Swint, to form a formidable squad in the Big 12.
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