Eastern Kentucky transfer Brad Gurley reveals why UCF's defensive tackle coach was the deciding factor, promising a "violent" and dominant new D-line.
The UCF defensive tackle unit looks very different from last season, as head coach Scott Frost brought in three new tackles from the portal - Thomas Collins, Brad Gurley, and Josh Schell.
On Thursday, this trio spoke to media following spring practice, where they all expressed love and appreciation to defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin and the UCF staff for pursuing them in the portal,
Gurley, an Eastern Kentucky transfer, had strong praise for Martin, saying that he was the main reason for his decision.
"I chose Coach Martin, you know, he stayed in my hometown at Western Kentucky and I'm from there," Gurley said. "He gave me a call and was like, 'Hey, man, come play with me, you know, come play for me, trust his process.' Of course, jelling with the guys, you know, just it's a great place to be at at the end of the day."
Gurley spent four seasons with the Colonels, breaking out last season.
The 6-foot-2 defensive tackle tallied 45 tackles, 10.5 of which were for loss. He added 5.5 sacks and three pass break-ups, earning All-UAC Second Team honors.
Gurley gave his teammates and Martin credit for already making his transition feel like a "family," adding that he was welcomed with open arms.
While he said he is excited to prove he can produce on the power four stage, Gurley's main focus remains team-based.
"Our goal is to be, you know, the best D-line in the Big 12 and to be the best unit in the Big 12. So, and at the end of the day, I want us to win a Big 12 championship as a team and as a D-line," Gurley said. "At the end of the day, you know, I want to win. I care about the team. Of course, the numbers, the stats are great, but you know, I look at this as a big family and and if I succeed, they succeed as well."
Martin has talked about Gurley and the rest of the new additions to the trenches being aggressive in pursuit, saying that this group stands out above the others he has coached.
On Thursday, Gurley seconded these remarks, saying that the group is "very violent" on the field, while providing lofty goals for the upcoming season.
"Best defense in the Big 12. actually the best defense in the country," Gurley said. "But we got to keep working, keep doing the little things because the little things can hurt us at the end, you know, down the line, in the championship. But, we just got to keep harping on the little things, doing the little things right."
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