Louisville transfer Duke Watson ignited the Knights' ground game against Georgia State, clocking an elite 21.6 mph sprint during a dominant 177-yard performance.
Through the first three weeks, UCF’s run game has carried the load on offense, with multiple players having a big impact on the ground.
Louisville transfer back Duke Watson has been the most dynamic of the bunch, breaking off multiple long plays in the Knights’ two victories.
In Week 3 against Georgia State, Watson ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 12 yards per carry.
His longest score came from 63 yards out, with Watson hitting top speeds of 21.6 miles per hour on the run.
The former Cardinal opened up the second half by bursting through a hole on the left side of the field, and breaking free to the sideline, heading to the endzone untouched.
According to Reel Analytics, this was the fastest ball carrier speed of the weekend, as Watson once again outran everyone to the house.
After losing NFL talents like Myles Montgomery and RJ Harvey the last two seasons, Watson has been a big addition to the Knights’ backfield.
Watson was among the country's most-productive freshman at Louisville, with his average of 8.9 yards per carry leading the nation.
Watson was limited due to injury as a sophomore, but has shown both raw talent and versatility in his young career.
Back in April, Watson outlined his decision to join UCF, praising Frost as a big component.
"[Coach] Frost and Bill, they made it seem like home," Watson said. "As soon as I stepped on campus, it just felt like football. I loved it, though. The plan they had for me, and I just felt like that I can do great things at UCF."
Thus far, his decision has paid off, as Watson is once again leading the country in yards per carry through three weeks (11) and is averaging nearly 100 yards per game (99).
Watson's ability to take a mundane carry and turn it into an explosive play makes him dangerous, with Frost talking about his "home-run" ability at Big 12 Media Day.
Frost and General Manager Trent Mossbrucker have both said that Watson is a guy they've kept their eyes on since high school and someone Mossbrucker has spent time with in the past.
Watson's prior relationship with Mossbrucker during the pair's time at Louisville was also a big selling point.
"I mean, I was very excited really," Watson said. "Especially because I used to work with Trent at Louisville, so him coming down here, it really just worked out perfectly for me and they already know my playing style. How I like to work, and it just felt perfect."
Heading into conference play, the Knights will rely on Watson to continue his strong start to the season.
Their first matchup, TCU, has been stout against the run through the opening three weeks, allowing just 79.3 per game.
