Coach Martin revels in a seasoned defensive line, ready to elevate their game beyond fundamental drills and into true championship-level coaching.
UCF's defensive line has been one of the program's biggest strengths over the past few seasons, producing NFL first round talent like Malachi Lawrence, who was recently selected No. 23 overall by the Dallas Cowboys.
Defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin has been with the program for four seasons, coaching up NFL talents like Lawrence, Lee Hunter and Ricky Barber.
On Thursday, Martin spoke to media following spring practice, where he expressed his excitement to work with this year's group.
"I'm thrilled of the group that I got. Like, all these guys came here and they worked. Last year, y'all heard me talk about taking baby steps because we wasn't close to where we were because everybody was so young," Martin said. "But man, this year, we got a whole bunch of older guys, experienced guys. So, I'm not teaching them how to practice, right? I'm teaching them what to do. So, again, that's that's been the thrill of of a coach. I kind of get to really coach football, get into the real details and and take it to another level."
Entering senior night last season, The Knights' defense ranked No. 23 overall, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
UCF ranked No. 30 in run defense and No. 16 in pass coverage, relying on players like Lawrence and new Green Bay Packers UDFA signee Nyjalik Kelly.
Martin talked about having the privilege to watch Lawrence grow into a first-round draft pick after four years at UCF.
"You just saw the growth and potential that he had, and we always said he was probably the most gifted in that room and he trusted the process," Martin said. "You just saw the growth and potential. And I can't wait to see him at the Cowboys."
While this group was anchored by talented and experienced players, Martin says that his new players may take it to another level.
"This might be the best group that I've had when it came to running to the ball and sprinting to the ball," Martin said. Usually, when you have the big boys up front, those are the guys that you kind of look at when it comes to sprinting to the ball, loafing and all that stuff. Every time I turn on the tape, man, it's it's a race to the ball with these guys. It turned to a little competition when it came to the big boys. And that's one thing, man, is those those guys run to the ball like nobody's business."
Martin will look to help UCF return to bowl contention and improve on a 5-7 first season under head coach Scott Frost.
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