UCF DC Alex Grinch Named Big 12 DC of the Week

UCF continues to put forth strong defensive efforts, as Alex Grinch's unit has been one of the most-consistent in the Big 12.

On Saturday, the Knights forced TCU into four turnovers, continuing the aggressive approach from the defensive front.

Following the victory, Grinch was named CBS Sports' Coordinator of the Week for the conference, as the Knights have been lauded for their shorthanded win.

Grinch spent time with USC before uniting with head coach Scott Frost in Orlando, looking like the right hire since arriving.

Through the opening part of this season, Grinch has coached up his guys well, with players making dynamic turnover-causing plays.

Pro Football Network's Cam Mellor released their highest-graded FBS defenses through the first two weeks, with UCF coming in at No. 14 on the list (84.9).

The Knights' run defense has been a constant, with the defensive line group controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting big play opportunities.

Against Georgia State in Week 3, UCF surrendered a season-high in points, but made up for it with once again winning the turnover battle.

Senior defensive back Demari Henderson had a huge performance in Grinch's secondary, earning conference player of the week honors for his multi-interception game.

On Saturday, he continued his strong play, tying the team-high with five adding a sack and pass defensed.

Henderson's sack was a huge play, bursting off the edge and taking down TCU starting quarterback Jaden Craig.

The senior defensive back pair of Antoine Jackson and Jayden Bellamy each recorded a pick, with Jackson effectively ending the game late in the fourth.

Bellamy came into the season as the Knights' top defensive back, with the Syracuse transfer grading in as one of the top returning players at his position in the country.

But, it had been a quiet start to the season until Saturday, with the veteran corner also adding three total tackles and a takedown in the Horned Frogs' backfield.

Going forward, having UCF's experienced secondary playing at a high level will be crucial as the team enters a very tough stretch of the schedule. 

UCF's next three games are against currently ranked opponents, providing a big opportunity for the team to make some noise and shake things up in the conference.

Alonza Barnett III still projects to be sidelined, paving the way for Keyone Jenkins to continue taking the QB1 snaps.

But, the defense will need to continue to be solid against some of the conference's most explosive offenses.