Monmouth transfer Josh Derry brings explosiveness and a 1,000-yard threat to UCF's offense, ready to make his mark this season.
Monmouth transfer wide receiver Josh Derry arrived at UCF and is cementing himself as a playmaking threat with his speed and route running throughout spring practice.
Derry committed to play for the Knights on Jan. 7, and his addition strengthened the wide receiver room.
The 5-foot-9 Maryland native transformed into a 1,000-yard receiver last season at Monmouth. He led the team in receiving touchdowns with 13.
Derry said wide receiver coach Sean Beckton played a significant role in his transfer to UCF, as he played the position for the Knights almost 40 years ago.
"With him, being a former receiver and having somebody as your coach that understands you," Derry said. "Understands what you go through on an everyday basis, that was really important to me to have that same feel."
His connection with Beckton has helped him settle in Orlando, and he's making play after play in practices. Derry said he prides himself on helping the team as much as possible, whether it's catching passes deep, intermediate or short.
Derry's speed and route running add another dynamic to the Knights' passing attack, paired with Duane Thomas Jr., Waden Charles and Louisiana Monroe transfer Jonathan Bibbs.
He said UCF's offense is fast and explosive, which fits his game and he believes the entire team will match their philosophy.
"From the quarterback, running back, and even the linemen. I think we're gonna be very, very explosive," Derry said.
The Knights are approaching spring practice with the determination to have the best offseason in the Big 12. To help achieve that goal, the players are waking up at 6 a.m. to practice and watch film.
It's advice they're taking from Kirk Cousins, the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback, when he visited the facility earlier this year.
"We had Kirk Cousins come in and talk about having your habits and what you do," Derry said. "Sometimes you don't want to do them. You know, wake up early in the morning and come and watch film, but you know that'll get you better in the long run."
UCF is chasing a bowl game to snap a two-year streak of losing seasons. Derry could be pivotal to the Knights' goal of winning the Big 12 championship, and he said he is willing to impact the game in various ways to achieve that goal.
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