Several UCF players opt for redshirts before UF game, intend to transfer

UCF defensive ends Kaven Call, offensive tackle Wes Dorsey, and safety William Wells are among a handful of players redshirting and entering the transfer portal.

The school announced the moves before the Knights’ road contest at Florida on Saturday night.

Under the NCAA’s redshirt rule, players can play up to four regular-season games without counting toward their four years of eligibility.

Call, a sophomore from Apopka, registered 2 tackles in three games this season, primarily as a backup to Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence. The 3-star prospect helped the Blue Darters win three state titles in four appearances during his high school career.

Dorsey, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Western Kentucky in January, took 33 offensive snaps in two games for the Knights.

A senior, Wells appeared in 33 games after signing with UCF’s 2021 recruiting class. He registered 28 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble during his career.

The West Palm native isn’t the only safety utilizing his redshirt this season.

Bryon Threats joins them entering the transfer portal after four games with the Knights. The senior arrived this past offseason after spending three years at Cincinnati, where he helped the Bearcats reach the New Year’s Six Access Bowl in 2021.

Threats’ and Wells’ departures leave UCF with starters Sheldon Arnold, Ladarius Tennison and Quadric Bullard. The Knights also have some help from younger players in Jakob Gude, Cedrick Hawkins, Jashad Presley and Jaylen Heyward.

Receiver Xavier Townsend announced earlier this week that he was redshirting and intending to leave via the transfer portal. The junior was UCF’s starting slot receiver and primary punt returner, appearing in three games.

Ja’Varrius Johnson, a transfer from Auburn, is expected to see significantly more playing time in Townsend’s absence.

Matt Murschel can be reached at moc.lenitnesodnalro@lehcsrumm