With a burst of raw power, Horace Lockett launched himself from a poised stance, barreling into the blocking dummy with the formidable might of his 360-pound, 6-foot-6 frame. The impact produced a boom that echoed across the Wayne Densch practice fields Tuesday.
The move excited UCF defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin, who was nearby to provide constructive criticism to his position group.
It’s early as the Knights hold their seventh spring camp practice. Players participate in individual position group drills, such as the one Lockett and his teammates are wrapping up before moving on to the next instruction.
Martin is back for his fourth season at UCF but his first under coach Scott Frost. He’s one of only two holdovers from Gus Malzahn’s staff, along with receivers coach Sean Beckton Sr.
Unlike the past three seasons, where he had the experience of Ricky Barber Jr. and Lee Hunter to anchor the group, it’s practically a clean slate. The unit features several returnees, including John Walker, Andrew Rumph, Keshaun Hudson, Marcus Downs, Tyreek’e Robinson and Derrick LeBlanc, and transfers RJ Jackson Jr. and Lockett.
“We’re nowhere near where we need to be,” Martin said after practice. “We’ve got some transfers in, and we have a lot of young guys who have never had a chance to play much.
“They have a lot of bad habits that I’m trying to clean up, and I’m showing them the habits that we want here at UCF and show them my habits.”
Walker, a redshirt sophomore who attended Osceola High School, is back after missing all of last season with a leg injury. He’s been limited in spring practice, wearing a non-contact jersey for the first three weeks.
“I’m just very blessed to be back and just excited to be on the field again,” said Walker, who had 24 tackles and 5 tackles for loss in 13 games as a freshman in 2023. “I’ve been working my tail off in the training and weight rooms, just really getting back to my groove. I feel good and wait for the protocol, but I’m ready to roll.”
Added Martin: “He’s doing good. He isn’t taking many team reps, but he’s on time. He’ll be ready for summer and we’ll make sure he’s ready to roll for fall camp.”
Rumph, Hudson, Downs, Robinson and LeBlanc have a combined 50 career snaps, but Martin believes they’ll have a chance to grow in 2025.
“It’s time for them to take a step and use their weaknesses and turn them into strengths,” said Martin.
Lockett spent two seasons at Georgia Tech, making 25 tackles in 13 games. After meeting with Martin, he transferred to UCF.
“Once I stepped off the plane, Coach Martin and I had a connection,” said Lockett. “I know he’s the best coach for me to get to the next level. So I’m here to work, and I’m glad that he’s my coach.”
Knights hope to elevate veteran pass-rushing group
Martin wants to ensure that his 360-pound ...
