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You’ve heard the Shaquem Griffin story, seen Mike Hughes in the projected 1st round and watched Tre’Quan Smith and Jordan Akins play in the Senior Bowl. What about the other former Knights who were part of the nation’s only undefeated FBS team in 2017? Below we break down some names you may be seeing on NFL rosters real soon.
Chequan Burkett – ILB (Projected PFA)
- HEIGHT: 6’2”
- WEIGHT: 229 pounds
- 40 YD DASH: 4.79 seconds
- BENCH PRESS: 19
- VERTICAL JUMP: 36.0”
- BROAD JUMP: 10’7”
- 3 CONE DRILL: 7.00 seconds
- 20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.31 seconds
- 2017 STATS: 82 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 INT
Chequan briefly left the team after the 2016 season to focus on his family. He would return and have a monster season that has now lead him to a chance in the NFL. His senior season was capped off with a pick-6 late in the game of the Peach Bowl. If the stats weren’t enough to get the attention of NFL scouts, Burkett’s pro day sure did the trick.
Aaron Evans – OL (Projected 7-PFA)
- HEIGHT: 6’4”
- WEIGHT: 309 pounds
- 40 YD DASH: 5.31 seconds
- BENCH PRESS: 27
- VERTICAL JUMP: 25.0”
- BROAD JUMP: 8’1”
- 3 CONE DRILL: 7.75 seconds
- 20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.76 seconds
- 2017 STATS: N/A
Evans is a workhorse that started 36 games over the past 3 seasons. He’s long, strong and experienced which should entice NFL teams. After having back surgery that held him out of the Peach Bowl, he now says he feels “amazing.” His draft stock is rising as he’s already met with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jordan Franks – TE (Projected PFA)
- HEIGHT: 6’3”
- WEIGHT: 232 pounds
- 40 YD DASH: 4.61 seconds
- BENCH PRESS: 22
- VERTICAL JUMP: 31.5”
- BROAD JUMP: 9’3”
- 3 CONE DRILL: 7.20 seconds
- 20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.45 seconds
- 2017 STATS: 12 rec, 120 yards
The UCF pro day was the best thing that could have happened for Jordan Franks. Franks impressed scouts with his measurables including a 4.61 40 time. During his time at UCF, he played Linebacker, Defensive Back, Wide Receiver and Tight End. Although he didn’t rack up the stats due to a deep depth chart, there’s no doubt he’s a pure athlete with the ability to play at any position.
Tony Guerad – DL (Projected PFA)
- HEIGHT: 6’3”
- WEIGHT: 297 pounds
- 40 YD DASH: 5.56 seconds
- BENCH PRESS: N/A
- VERTICAL JUMP: 27.0”
- BROAD JUMP: 8’3”
- 3 CONE DRILL: 7.8 seconds
- 20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.76 seconds
- 2017 STATS: 52 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks
In 2015, Tony Guerad walked away from the team amidst an 0-12 season. When Scott Frost and staff arrived on campus, Guerad rejoined the team and helped anchor down that defensive line accumulating 17.5 TFL’s and 5.5 sacks over the last 2 seasons. Guerad was most recently at the Jaguar’s local training camp as he gained interest from NFL teams after his pro day performance.
Former UCF DL Tony Guerad had a good day at the @Jaguars’ local training camp today, his agent @WillSarubbi tells me. Guerad was a big part of the Knights’ success last year and is looking to land on an NFL team. pic.twitter.com/hIYYvcdHVb
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) April 17, 2018
Jamiyus Pittman – DL (Projected 7-PFA)
- HEIGHT: 6’1”
- WEIGHT: 301 pounds
- 40 YD DASH: 5.27 seconds
- BENCH PRESS: 25
- VERTICAL JUMP: 30.0”
- BROAD JUMP: 8’5”
- 3 CONE DRILL: 7.73 seconds
- 20 YD SHUTTLE: 4.76 seconds
- 2017 STATS: 47 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks
Pittman, a four year starter, amassed 134 tackles, 22 TFL’s and 11.5 sacks in his career. The stat he may be most proud of though is a receiving touchdown that came against East Carolina last season. He’s strong, experienced and ready to prove he has what it takes to play at the next level.