Johnny Dawkins targets a versatile Overtime Elite standout to anchor the Knights' future, eyeing the high-scoring hybrid forward as a potential cornerstone for the 2027 recruiting class.
As UCF looks to carry over last season's March Madness berth, head coach Johnny Dawkins is beginning to target players to build around for the future.
With the recent 5-year implementation plan from the NCAA, high school recruiting has once again become vital, as players are limited to just one transfer and will stay with their original program more frequently.
On Thursday, High School and College Basketball Recruiting Analyst Sam Kayser reported that the Knights are set to host 4-star Overtime Elite (OTE) forward K'Nard Callendar on Sept. 25.
Callendar is currently ranked No. 95 in the SportsCenter Next Top 100 for the 2027 class, while coming in at No. 79 in the country according to 247 Sports.
247 Sports' Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein outlined Callendar's skillset on his recruiting page.
"He’s best described as a hybrid forward right now, who still has to expand and polish his skill-set and get more refined with his decision-making, but is undeniably productive," Finkelstein wrote. "He can start the break himself, straight line drive less mobile forwards to either direction, be a lob threat, and big finisher on the break."
Last season, for Overtime Elite's Fear of God, Callendar filled up the stat sheet, averaging 19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Following the year, Callendar was named OTE's Most Underrated Player.
At 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, Callendar has the size and skill to play the three or four, doing a lot of his work around the paint.
He is an incredibly efficient player, shooting 59.4% from the field last season, and taking high-quality shots around the rim.
Going forward, his development of a 3-point shot will be crucial, as he attempted less than one per game and made under 32% of his tries.
Thus far, Callendar has received three Power 4 offers according to 247 Sports, with Georgia Tech, Kansas State, and Virginia Tech filling in as the early suitors.
The Knights are yet to secure a commitment in the 2027 class, after bringing in just two freshman this past cycle.
The forward position has been a big bright spot for UCF over the past few seasons, with wing players like Keyshawn Hall, Jordan Burks, and Jamichael Stillwell each having breakout seasons in Orlando.
While OTE has been out of session, Callendar has continued to turn heads at Basketball Without Borders All-Star Camp in Los Angeles, where he was named a "Saturday Eye-Catcher" on X.
With Jahda Swann and Ladarius Givan representing this year's freshman class, Callendar could be the first recruit to represent 2027 if a good impression is made on Sept. 25.
