Why Kylan Fox, Dylan Wade could form tantalizing tight end tandem for UCF football
ORLANDO — Scott Frost declared competition open at all spots this spring, not a particular surprise given the dramatic overhaul of UCF's football roster under an almost entirely new coaching staff. In the opening week of practices, acclimatization to increased tempo and teaching fundamentals are the focus.
Even taking those clichéd caveats into account, the Knights possess a potentially tantalizing tandem of tight ends that could blossom into key targets for whoever wins the quarterback battle by August — blue-chip sophomore Kylan Fox and Maryland transfer Dylan Wade.
Fox, UCF's second-highest consensus signee for its largely star-studded 2024 recruiting class, logged just 29 offensive snaps last fall, according to Pro Football Focus. Yet, he is tied with running back Myles Montgomery as the team's leading returner in receptions — with three.
The 6-foot-4, 237-pound Fox — a native of Valdosta, Georgia — switched jersey numbers this spring, from 6 to 1. He envisions the No. 1 jersey as a symbol of leadership, a role which he wants to fill among all of the turnover.
"I want to do whatever I can to help my team win," Fox said. "Showing the young guys how things go, our young tight ends, and keep showing them how to do and to lead by example on the field."
Wade, who attended Jones High on the outskirts of Downtown Orlando, returns home after a successful two-year stint at Maryland. Checking in at a near-identical 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, Wade set career highs as a sophomore with 29 receptions, 374 yards and two touchdowns.
When he entered the transfer portal and received a call from UCF, Wade was excited about the chance to play closer to family and eager to do his research about the on-field fit. Pro development appealed in particular to Wade; three tight ends who played for Frost — Johnny Mundt at Oregon, Jordan Akins at UCF and Jack Stoll at Nebraska — are currently on NFL rosters.
"It was really a no-brainer. I liked what I saw on paper," said Wade, who did not claim a UCF offer out of high school. "And when I took my visit here, I liked what (Frost) was offering.
"He told me he likes to keep things in the area, and he likes hometown guys. And I knew his competitive mindset, when he was talking to me, matched mine. I couldn't show him at the time, but I think we clicked pretty good from the start."
UCF offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Steve Cooper highly values versatility at the position. Blocking could ultimately determine how much Wade, Fox, Florida Atlantic transfer Elijah Brown, redshirt sophomore Grant Stevens or others get on the field, and how much the Knights incorporate 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends).
"That's a big emphasis that we put into our individual time right now, the technique of blocking the person in front of you," Cooper said. "(Friday) was the first day in pads, so I'm excited to look at the tape and see what that looks like.
"The most important thing to me in relationship to balance is going to be getting the right players the ball enough, spreading the ball around. If we ended up being a more 11 personnel team than 12, great. But, ideally, when you're at your best is when you can mix and match — not just personnel but formations, schematic concepts, run-to-pass. You want to be balanced in all those areas."
UCF's most used tight ends from the 2024 season are no longer with the program. Randy Pittman, who started all 12 games, followed former Knights head coach Gus Malzahn to Florida State, and Evan Morris is out of eligibility. Morris also handled some of the Knights' kickoff duties and made two tackles.
Wade believes he and Fox could become integral pieces to an "explosive" Knights offense next season.
"A lot of big plays in the run game and pass game. We've got guys everywhere who can do a lot of different things," he added. "It's special."
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF Knights football: Kylan Fox, Dylan Wade competing at tight end
-
Baltimore Ravens make a $4 million decision on star tight end Mark Andrews
Baltimore Ravens pick up $4 million option bonus on tight end Mark Andrews, paving the way for his return in 2025Yahoo Sports - 12h -
Spurs' Fox to have season-ending finger surgery
Spurs star De'Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair tendon damage in his left pinkie.ESPN - 3d -
De'Aaron Fox injury: Spurs star to undergo season-ending surgery on finger he hurt during training camp
Fox hurt his left pinkie during training camp with the Kings, but played with the injury all seasonCBS Sports - 3d -
Dolphins adding 'nasty' veteran blocking tight end, per report
The Dolphins are adding a tight end who was described by the Seahawks' GM as "one of the top two or three blocking tight ends in the NFL."Yahoo Sports - 2d -
In 3 Words, Travis Kelce Just Explained How He Makes a Tough Decision. It’s a Lesson in Leadership
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end says he makes decisions ‘off of feel.’ It can be an effective approach.Inc. - Mar. 9 -
Report: Tight end Farrell, 49ers agree to three-year, $20.25M contract
The San Francisco 49ers reportedly have added tight end depth behind George Kittle.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Colts' free agent tight end signs with Super Bowl champions
Colts' free agent tight end Kylen Granson is signing with the Super Bowl champions.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
'I'm not going to play for another coach': De'Aaron Fox's time with the Kings ended with Mike Brown's
Fox told the Kings this summer he did not want to play for a fifth head coach in less than eight seasons in Sacramento.ESPN - Mar. 8 -
De'Aaron Fox to undergo season-ending surgery on pinkie as Spurs' injury woes continue
The Spurs are now without Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox.Yahoo Sports - 3d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Georgia football freshman WR suffers ankle injury, needs surgery
Georgia true freshman WR Tyler Williams suffered torn ligaments in his ankle, likely taking him out for the rest of Georgia's spring practices.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Sixers vs. Rockets game preview: How to watch, lineups, broadcast info
The Philadelphia 76ers continue the road trip on Monday as they take on the Houston Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Derek Carr and Saints relationship may be deteriorating amid latest report
Derek Carr reportedly wanting to test free agency is a sign of a deteriorating relationship between him and the Saints.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
“I’ll tell you” – Pep Guardiola reveals what Manchester City would make of Europa League football for 2025/26 term
Manchester City would hold a feeling of ‘disappointment’ if they only managed to secure UEFA Europa League football next season, Pep Guardiola has admitted.The reigning English champions are facin...Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Calipari's message to freshmen in NCAA Tournament: 'Stay in the moment'
The Arkansas Razorbacks had to wait until almost the end of the Selection Show to hear their names called, but they're going to the NCAA Tournament as a 10-seed and will play 7-seed Kansas in the ...Yahoo Sports - 19m
More in Sports
-
MLB's villains or its gold standard? How the Los Angeles Dodgers got here
Love them or loathe them, the defending champs built a new evil empire with a series of monumental moves.ESPN - 15m -
Georgia football freshman WR suffers ankle injury, needs surgery
Georgia true freshman WR Tyler Williams suffered torn ligaments in his ankle, likely taking him out for the rest of Georgia's spring practices.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Sixers vs. Rockets game preview: How to watch, lineups, broadcast info
The Philadelphia 76ers continue the road trip on Monday as they take on the Houston Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Derek Carr and Saints relationship may be deteriorating amid latest report
Derek Carr reportedly wanting to test free agency is a sign of a deteriorating relationship between him and the Saints.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Calipari's message to freshmen in NCAA Tournament: 'Stay in the moment'
The Arkansas Razorbacks had to wait until almost the end of the Selection Show to hear their names called, but they're going to the NCAA Tournament as a 10-seed and will play 7-seed Kansas in the ...Yahoo Sports - 19m