UCF WR Waden Charles Takes Sophomore Jump as a Leader

Waden Charles' growth into a full-time starter and vocal leader in his sophomore season has been paramount for the UCF Knights.

Charles has started all contests this season, except for missing Week 1, and has become a top receiver alongside senior Josh Derry. He's second with 14 receptions, 169 yards and leads the group with two touchdowns.

The sophomore was neck and neck with Derry before a season-high 101 yards on seven receptions last Saturday against the No. 20 Houston Cougars.

Charles had his best performance against the Cougars, catching four passes for 48 yards. He had back-to-back touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Panthers and Georgia State Panthers.

He's building on a strong second half of his freshman season. Charles is becoming an integral part of UCF's new culture in coach Scott Frost's second tenure.

The Knights' rising receiver is contributing to the team's success on and off the field. Charles said he feels he's grown as a leader and is taking on more responsibility to help his squad win.

"I'm helpful to a lot of guys on this team now," Charles said during Monday's media availability. "I know what it takes to be a leader, and I know what it takes to help this team win."

His leadership is a valuable addition to an older UCF team revamped through January's transfer portal. He's a returner, familiar with Frost's offensive scheme.

Charles played a vital role in helping the transfers quickly acclimate and is serving as a leader for the freshmen.

Tyren Hornes is one freshman stepping up and had his best game against the 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.

Hornes could build a case to start games in the final weeks, just like Charles did last season. He started the last five games and tallied 215 yards on 17 receptions.

Charles is the model for the younger receivers and recruits. He's a prime example that a freshman can contribute at a high level and become a foundational building block for a program's culture.

The sophomore could have a big game against the No. 18 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, as Frost wants to get the deep passing game back in the playbook.