Former national yards-per-carry leader Duke Watson reveals why UCF's coaching staff and scheme made him feel at home.
Transfer running back Duke Watson is part of a new-look running back room for UCF, joining a group of under-experienced returners and fellow transfer tail backs.
Watson played two years at Louisville, bursting onto the scene his freshman season with an average of 8.9 yards per carry, which led the nation.
Watson was limited due to injury this past season, but has shown both raw talent and versatility in his young career. Watson will fit in nicely with Frost's scheme, as he can contribute in the receiving game as well.
The former Georgia high school standout was ranked as s 3-star transfer, falling within the top-25 transfer backs in the country, according to 247 Sports.
On Thursday, Watson told media why he chose to come to UCF, saying that the coaching staff was a big part of his decision.
"[Coach] Frost and Bill, they made it seem like home," Watson said. "As soon as I stepped on campus, it just felt like football. I loved it, though. The plan they had for me, and I just felt like that I can do great things at UCF."
When talking about Watson, Frost and General Manager Trent Mossbrucker both said that Watson is a guy they've kept their eyes on since high school and someone Mossbrucker has spent time with in the past.
"I mean, I was very excited really," Watson said. "Especially because I used to work with Trent at Louisville, so him coming down here, it really just worked out perfectly for me and they already know my playing style. How I like to work, and it just felt perfect."
Watson is a big-play back, utilizing his speed and quickness to break off long runs. But, when asked to describe his play style, Watson talked about some of the smaller, more mundane aspects of the game and how he enjoys doing them.
"Fast, physical, and downhill. Really, I'm more of a team player, too," Watson said. "I love to protect the quarterback, love to pass block, you know. I'm more of an all-around player."
Watson projects as the top back on the roster, likely challenging Central Arkansas transfer Landen Chambers for the lead back role.
However, Chambers is a bigger, stronger back, compared to Watson's breakneck speed and big-play ability, perhaps providing a complimentary 1-2 punch of power and agility.
Watson talked about working with Chambers this far, giving him props for what he brings to the backfield.
"He's more of a bigger guy. You know, obviously we're two different playing styles, but I feel like that's with the whole room," Watson said. "Like, I just like working with the whole room. Everybody adds something different to the game. So, I just love that about everybody. For real."
Watson later added that he, along with other Knights have lofty goals for this year's squad, setting their sights on a Big 12 Championship.
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