The list of school football players retiring from the 2020 season continues to grow after 10 UCF players chose to play this fall.
Coach Josh Heupel announced Tuesday that the group, which had scheduled starters Tay Gowan (cornerback) and Kalia Davis (defensive tackle), has withdrawn due to coronavirus issues.
“Everyone’s perspectives and scenario with COVID are different,” Heupel told reporters Tuesday. “This is the ultimate exclusivity we have found in our lives. We’ve tried to teach our boys all the time about maximum productive practices. “to tell them what we’re doing here to keep them as safe as possible. Each of these young people you’ve selected to retire has other reasons for your decisions. They are valid, they are genuine and we help them and we will continue to attend. them. “
Gowan, who transferred to UCF in 2019, finished last season with 31 tackles, two interceptions, 8 failed passes and a 12-game loose ball. Davis had eight tackles for a loss, three catches, a forced loose ball and a loose ball recovered in 2019.
Other knights to be lost in 2020 include Field Marshal Darriel Mack Jr. , cornerman Devunte Dawson, defensive back Elijah Benoit, defensive linemen Mason Cholewa and Kendrick Wilson, and offensive linemen Allan Adams, Lamarius Benson and Adrian Medley.
Heupel showed that Quadry Jones would assume the replacement role of incumbent quarterback Dillon Gabriel with Mack absent. He said Jones was getting “equal reps” with Mack before the quarterback retired from the season.
Other notable school football players who have opted out in 2020 come with LSU catcher Ja’Marr Chase, Virginia Tech quarterback Caleb Farley, Illinois middle ra’Von Bonner, Maryland Quarterback Josh Jackson, Penn State supporter Micah Parsons and Michigan. Panasiuk.
On Monday, the Knights were named preseason favorites for the American Athletic Conference in a media member vote, receiving 10 of the 20 votes for first place.
The Knights are scheduled to open their Georgia Tech season in Atlanta on September 19.