​The seventh installment of our position-by-position preview for the UCF football team as fall camp approaches focuses on the defensive end spot and what to expect. The Knights face the big task of replacing two starters at defensive end after the departures of Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly. Lawrence was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 23rd overall pick, marking his the fifth UCF first-round NFL draft selection in recent memory, while Kelly went undrafted, ultimately signing with the Green Bay Packers.
UCF enters this season with a blend of proven returners and new contributors looking to fill those crucial roles. The early favorites to start and contribute at defensive end are the two veterans who have already shown consistency in the rotation. Isaiah Nixon, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 245 pounds, has appeared in 25 games over the last three seasons, primarily as part of the rotation. He has compiled 36 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Sincere Edwards, who played in six games before suffering a season-ending injury on his left leg last year, posted 11 tackles, with 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
In addition to the returning players, transfer additions are expected to have a meaningful impact. Bruno Dall transferred from Akron and is a redshirt junior who should factor into the rotation, having appeared in 23 games for Akron with 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and an interception. Ken Talley, who has played at Arkansas and Michigan State, brings experience as a redshirt senior and could slide into the mix, having recorded 14 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks across 18 games. Aymeric Koumba, entering his second season with the Knights, is also in the rotation conversation, as is Florida State transfer L A Jesse Harrold, a redshirt freshman whose presence adds depth and versatility.
On the front end, L A Jesse Harrold will add another dimension to the group, and the Knights expect contributions from Aymeric Koumba and Bruno Dall as they push for starting roles. The defensive end depth chart is shaping up with a clear split between proven producers and emerging players who could emerge as key rotational pieces.
What they’re saying from the staff reinforces the sense of a reload rather than a rebuild. UCF defensive run game coordinator and edges coach Mike Dawson described the current group as a mix of familiar faces and new pieces, stating that the rotation will feature roughly half and half between players who have been in the lineup and new contributors. He emphasized that the group has more experience than last year, with the added depth expected to help in pressures and containment against the run and passer defense.
Returnees to watch include Isaiah Nixon, Quentin Hatch, Sincere Edwards, Aymeric Koumba, and Anthony Coaxum, who will all contribute to the competition for snaps along the trench. Arrivals bringing added depth include Bruno Dall from Akron, Ken Talley from Arkansas, redshirt senior L A Jesse Harrold from Florida State, and new players Alhassan Iddrissu from St. Thomas High and a redshirt freshman who could help in the rotation as the season unfolds.
Departures from last year include Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, both of whom were significant contributors. Lawrence tallied 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, along with three quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. Kelly recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, eight quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. Jamaal Johnson transferred to Northwestern, leaving a void at the edge position that the current group must fill.
Projected depth chart
DE1 — Isaiah Nixon
DE1 — Sincere Edwards
DE2 — Bruno Dall
DE2 — Ken Talley
DE3 — Aymeric Koumba
DE3 — L A Jesse Harrold
As fall camp unfolds, the focus will be on establishing a cohesive rotation that can consistently pressure the quarterback and control the edge against the run. The combination of experienced returners and versatile transfers gives UCF a strong chance to maintain an imposing defensive end unit, capable of creating disruption and contributing to a stout overall defense. With the right development and healthy play, this group has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Knights’ defense in 2024.