Opt-out champions: UCF coach Josh Heupel reveals 10 players have opted out
By Keith Farner
Published:
While LSU has dealt with several players opting out of this season, Central Florida is dealing with a serious number of players deciding to sit out this season because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Redshirt senior defensive back Tay Gowan, redshirt junior defensive lineman Khalia Davis and redshirt junior quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. are among the group that has filed paperwork with the school to skip the 2020 season, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
“Everybody’s perspective and situation with COVID-19 is different and they are all valid and real,” coach Josh Heupel said. “We’ve tried to educate our guys continuously as to what the practices are. Educate them as to what we’re doing here to keep them as safe as possible. Each of these kids who chose to opt-out have different reasons behind their decisions. They’re valid, they’re real and we support those guys and we’ll continue to help them.”
UCF is set to kick off the season in Atlanta against Georgia Tech on Sept. 19.
Two likely would-be starters, two rotation/depth guys. Of the remaining six, maybe some special teams contributors there but they wouldn’t have been in the primary offense/defense mix as long as everybody else stays healthy. https://t.co/BbTkI8PsqG
— Brandon Helwig (@UCFSports) September 1, 2020
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
