Alex Grinch leans on veteran intensity and a bolstered linebacker corps to sharpen the Knights’ interior, transforming high-effort standards into a more balanced Big 12 attack.
Ahead of head coach Scott Frost's second year back with the program, many players and members of UCF's staff have emphasized their belief that this team can make some noise in an open Big 12 Conference.
Defensively, the roster retained some serious talent, with Lewis Carter., Jayden Bellamy, and other returning pieces filling out the unit.
Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, who had a solid first season in Orlando, talked about what has stood out with his group thus far.
Grinch talked about the team's effort level being where he wants it to be and credited the players who were with the program last season for keeping the standard the standard.
With Grinch and his staff not having to "bark" at players about playing harder, he said it is easier to key in on certain positions and areas of focus.
Last season, UCF's defensive backfield and linebacking core was consistent, but the defensive interior was shoddy, which led to the rushing defense struggling as a whole.
With returning players like Horace Lockett and more time for Grinch to focus on certain position groups, the Knights should have a more-balanced defensive attack.
With the recent landmark court ruling regarding 2022 high school graduates and additional eligibility, the defense also got a big improvement with Cole Kozlowski's pending return.
Earlier this week, Kozlowski appeared at UCF's practice in street clothes before gaining a different-colored jersey, and on Monday, appearing in the Knights' normal white practice uniforms.
This is a huge pickup for UCF, who seemingly now has a returning pair of linebackers manning the middle with Kozlowski and Carter.
After showing he was one of the most dominant defensive forces amongst mid-major programs, Kozlowski took the jump to Power 4 football, signing with UCF.
He immediately made an impact, serving as a consistent and vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball.
The senior linebacker totaled three double-digit tackle games throughout the year against Baylor, BYU and an 11-tackle, one-sack performance against the Mountaineers.
After recording 82 total tackles on the season, including two sacks and three pass deflections, Kozlowski was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team.
While his situation is still unclear, Kowlowski's experience within the system is invaluable to a UCF defense who was seeking a second linebacker to play alongside Carter after Keli Lawson declared for the NFL Draft.
With returning talents teaching new additions the ropes, and Grinch having more time to focus on individual improvements, UCF's defense should pick up where it left off as one of the best within the conference.
