Ocoee linebacker Michael McClenton first to commit to UCF’s 2026 class

Michael McClenton is excited about being Scott Frost’s first commitment since returning to coach at UCF.

The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker from Ocoee High School announced his decision in a post on social media on Tuesday, less than two weeks after receiving an offer from the school.

As it turns out, the decision to join the Knights’ 2026 recruiting class was an easy one.

“I decided to commit to UCF because it’s always been a dream of mine,” McClenton told the Orlando Sentinel. “I liked how coach Frost and [defensive tackles] coach Kenny Martin came to my school and impressed me. They sold on why I would like him to be my coach of the future.”

McClenton also received offers from Liberty, Marshall and Tennessee State.

However, what sold the junior was being the first piece of the first recruiting class in Frost’s return to UCF.

“He wanted me to come and be the first commit to the class,” McClenton said. “He wanted me to come in and be a leader for the class.”

After long nights and prayers and conversations with my family and coaches. I have decided to COMMIT to the University of Central Florida. Hometown hero
@Coach_Martin95 @McKenzieMil10 @CoachGrinch @JerisMcIntyre @Im_Dlaw @HarrisNOFLYZONE @JohnGarcia_Jr @CoachBuckGurley pic.twitter.com/LYu45r6ZvW

— michael mcclenton (@michaelmcclent5) January 15, 2025

A two-sport standout at Ocoee, playing basketball and football, McClenton averaged 5 points and 4.7 rebounds over two seasons for the Knights basketball team.

He totaled 517 tackles with 99 for loss and 55 sacks in 32 games in three varsity seasons, according to MaxPreps.com, and was a first-team selection in the Sentinel’s 2024 All-Area Football Team.

Another appealing aspect of Frost’s recruiting pitch was his comparison of McClenton to former UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

“He told me I was similar to Shaquem because so many people doubted him,” said McClenton. “I feel like it was a big inspiration because he wasn’t the biggest or fastest guy, but he played with a good motor and heart. That’s how coach Frost likes his players to play and that’s how I love to play.”

Griffin would become an All-American and be named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and Most Valuable Player of the 2018 Peach Bowl despite having his left hand amputated as a child.

He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and played three seasons in the NFL.

McClenton is excited to bring his skillset to UCF.

“[I’m] a smart player with a good motor, a leader, and a person willing to work,” he said.

He’s also excited about the prospect of playing close to home and becoming the latest Central Florida prospect to play for the Knights.

“Staying at home means a lot to me,” said McClenton. “My family could come to see me every game, my friends could see me and most importantly, the community that I have behind me in high school could come to see me.”

With his commitment over, McClenton hopes to relax and focus on improving his game during his senior season.

“I like to improve on playing in space,” said McClenton. “I know I can play in the box, coming downhill and all the things like that, but space is one of the things I lack.”

McClenton has already contacted other recruits from the area, hoping to convince them to become the latest Hometown Heroes to play at UCF.

“I’ve already hit up some of the kids offered. I’m trying to get this thing rolling,” he said.

Matt Murschel can be reached at moc.lenitnesodnalro@lehcsrumm