From the Bounce House to the NFL: Checking in on UCF alumni

by | Oct 20, 2026 | 0 comments

Home E Column E From the Bounce House to the NFL: Checking in on UCF alumni

Photo courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys

As the Knights enter their bye week, it’s time to see how some alumni are panning out in the National Football League (NFL).

With week six of the NFL around the corner, six former Knights find themselves on 53-man active rosters, including edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, running back RJ Harvey, defensive backs Mac McWilliams and Mike Hughes, offensive lineman Tylan Grable, and long snapper Alex Ward.

Four former Knights are currently on practice squads, including edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly (Packers), wide receiver Brandon Johnson (Steelers), offensive lineman Paul Rubelt (Buccaneers), and defensive tackle Ricky Barber (Commanders).

Offensive lineman Amari Knight, formerly with the Seattle Seahawks, was waived with an injury settlement in early September, however, he has most recently worked out with the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 6.

On the other hand, two former Knights found themselves on injury reserve. As of Oct. 6, defensive tackle Kalia Davis was designated to return to practice, opening his 21-day window to return, according to the Cleveland Browns website.

After signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie in the spring, running back Myles Montgomery suffered an undisclosed injury during training camp and was waived in August. However, after clearing waivers, Montgomery found himself on New England’s season-ending IR list.

The current stats of the six Knights on active rosters can be found below, according to ESPN.

OLB Malachi Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys (R1 P23, 2026)

Photo courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys

The first-rounder has had a slow start to his rookie year with the Cowboys.

Throughout five weeks, Lawrence has recorded twelve total tackles, including six solo and six assisted. The former Knight also recorded his first sack and a pass deflection in Dallas’ home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Oct. 8.

RB RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos (R2 P60, 2025)

Photo courtesy of the NFL

After an impressive 2025 rookie season, Harvey has spent the season second on the depth chart behind J.K. Dobbins.

Harvey has played four games this season; he missed Denver’s week two matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a hamstring injury.

While he hasn’t recorded a touchdown this season, he has seen plenty of involvement in the rushing attack and the passing game.

Harvey has recorded 15 carries for 56 yards on the ground and 20 receptions for 132 yards.

CB Mac McWilliams, Philadelphia Eagles (R5 P145, 2025)

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles

As Philadelphia’s backup nickel defensive back, McWilliams has played four games this season, his second with the Eagles.

In those four games, McWilliams has recorded only one solo tackle.

CB Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons (R1 P30, 2018)

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

As one of the league’s veteran defensive backs, Hughes has played all five games so far in his ninth NFL season.

Throughout five weeks, Hughes has recorded 25 total tackles, including 17 solo tackles. Additionally, he has also secured three pass deflections, with two coming in Atlanta’s week one matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

OL Tylan Grable, Buffalo Bills (R6 P204, 2024)

Photo courtesy of WIVB News 4

As Buffalo’s second-string right tackle behind Spencer Brown and Dion Dawkins, Grable has played five offensive snaps so far this season.

Throughout his snaps, he has earned an overall PFF grade of 62.9, a pass-blocking grade of 76.1, and a run-blocking grade of 60, according to Pro Football Focus.

LS Alex Ward, Las Vegas Raiders (UDFA, 2023)

Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Raiders

As one of the unsung heroes on special teams, Ward has found himself as the premier long snapper after winning a training camp battle after signing a one-year deal with the Raiders this offseason.

About Alejandro Romo
Alejandro is currently a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in print/digital journalism and minoring in sports business management. He is an aspiring sports journalist with the drive of telling meaningful stories beyond the scoreboard.

0 Comments