UCF defensive ends Kaven Call, offensive tackle Wes Dorsey, and safety William Wells are among a handful of players redshirting and entering the transfer portal.
The school announced the moves before the Knights’ road contest at Florida.
Under the NCAA’s redshirt rule, players can play up to four regular-season games without counting toward their four years of eligibility.
Call, a sophomore from Apopka, registered 2 tackles in three games this season, primarily as a backup to Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence. The former 3-star prospect helped the Blue Darters win three state titles in four appearances during his high school career.
Dorsey, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Western Kentucky in January, took 33 offensive snaps in two games for the Knights.
A senior Wells appeared in 33 games after signing with UCF as part of its 2021 recruiting class. He registered 28 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble during his career.
The West Palm native isn’t the only safety utilizing his redshirt this season.
Bryon Threats is also choosing to use his redshirt year and plans to enter the transfer portal after four games with the Knights. The senior arrived this offseason after spending three seasons at Cincinnati, where he helped the Bearcats reach the New Year’s Six Access Bowl in 2021.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported threats’ departure.
Threats and Wells’ departures leave UCF with starters Sheldon Arnold, Ladarius Tennison and Quadric Bullard. The Knights also have some help from younger players like Jakob Gude, Cedrick Hawkins, Jasad Presley, and Jaylan Heyward.
Receiver Xavier Townsend announced earlier this week that he was redshirting and intending to leave via the transfer portal. The junior was UCF’s starting slot receiver and primary punt returner, appearing in three games this season.
Ja’Varrius Johnson, a transfer from Auburn, is expected to see significantly more playing time in Townsend’s absence.
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com