Former UCF RB Myles Montgomery Waived By Patriots

This past NFL Draft, multiple former UCF standouts exacted their dreams of playing at the next level.

While No. 20 overall pick Malachi Lawrence was the only Knight to be taken within the actual draft, many players found deals through undrafted free agent contracts, such as Keli Lawson, Paul Rubelt, Nyjalik Kelly, and Myles Montgomery.

Montgomery, who joined the New England Patriots following the conclusion of the draft, was waived on Thursday due to an undisclosed injury.

This is an unfortunate turn of events for Montgomery, who had turnt heads at Patriots minicamp.

Roundtable's Demetrius Montero recently noted Montgomery's strides, highlighting Patriots running backs coach Jimmy Beal's high praises for the undrafted back.

"He's going to work," Beal told reporters on April 24. "He's going to do whatever. He's going to make somebody love him. And I think that's the cool thing, that he's never going to show any kind of remorse or whatever for it. He's just going to do it."

Although Montgomery was the Knights' starting back for just one season, he posted impressive numbers, racking up 705 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while adding 182 yards through the air.

During UCF's midwest roadtrip, Montgomery posted his two best games of the season, recording 100 or more rushing yards against both Kansas foes.

Against Kansas State, Montgomery averaged nearly 12 yards per carry, racking up 119 yards on the ground in only 10 attempts. He followed this up with a 110-yard day against the Jayhawks, adding two touchdowns. 

Following the season, Montgomery had an impressive showing at UCF's 2026 Pro Day, posting impressive numbers that rival some of the top draft combine prospects.

Montgomery posted a 4.39 40-yard dash, exploding out the gates on his second attempt. Following the event, he told media how he has prepared to post a sub-4.4 time.

"I've been running the 40 since December. I was really bad at it at first and then I kind of got good," Montgomery said. "I don't know if you, you guys weren't close enough, but my second one you could hear me. I was like, 'Oh yeah, that's the one' while I was running, but it was just out of instinct. Like you've been doing it for so long, you know what a good one feels like, right?"

Montgomery's blazing time would place him fourth among draft combine backs, trailing  No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love by just .03 seconds.

On the bench press, Montgomery posted 22 reps, which would be tied for third among combine tailbacks. His 10'4" broad jump was also third-best. 

But, Montgomery's best event of the day was the shuttle drill, posting an impressive time of 4.25 seconds. This time would stand alone at the combine, showcasing Montgomery's explosion and lateral quickness.

While being waived is definitely a setback for Montgomery, his positive attitude and skillset on the field should earn him an opportunity elsewhere once he is healthy.