UCF WR Tyren Hornes Stepping up Early as a Freshman

Tyren Hornes' impact as a freshman isn't grand for the UCF Knights, but he's rising as the season progresses and injuries pile up.

Hornes had a season-best performance last Saturday in UCF's loss to the No. 20 Houston Cougars. The freshman caught four passes for 34 yards, including an 18-yard reception in the closing moments of the second quarter.

Quarterback Keyone Jenkins found Hornes twice before halftime as he tried to push the Knights into field goal range. Most of the young receiver's 34 yards came in the final three plays of the first half.

He's impressively fought his way into a senior-laden wide receiver rotation. Hornes made highlight plays in fall and spring camp, catching his coaches' and teammates' eyes.

Josh Derry, a fellow wide receiver, said it's important for a freshman to contribute at a high level in college after coming out of high school.

"It's really important to have a guy understand the playbook and make big plays and big moments," Derry said after UCF's loss to Houston.

His 34-yard performance against the Cougars is a promising sign for the receiver corps as the Knights are in the toughest stretch of Big 12 play. They play No. 18 Oklahoma State next week, then have a bye before facing No. 8 BYU.

The injury bug has also hit the receiving corps. Duane Thomas Jr. hasn't played this season and is dealing with a hamstring injury, according to coach Scott Frost.

Jonathan "Slim Jim" Bibbs missed the Big 12 home opener against the TCU Horned Frogs, and Derry was sidelined in the second quarter of the Houston game with an ankle injury. He returned in the second half and finished with 101 yards on seven catches.

Hornes' speed makes him a deep threat and hard to tackle in the open field in UCF's offense. His skill set gives him a legitimate chance to start games late in the season.

He would be the second straight freshman wide receiver to make such a leap. Charles did that last year, starting the final five contests and tallying 215 yards on 17 receptions.

The sophomore recorded his best performance on Senior Knight against the Cowboys, who were the worst Big 12 team. He caught six passes for 78 yards, both season highs.

Hornes has a bright future ahead in UCF's offense. Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper will find ways to involve him in the passing game.

He'll have another opportunity to prove he can contribute in a high-level conference game against No. 18 Oklahoma State next Saturday on the road.