Photo by Aryah Britt

Defensive Secondary Putting in Work

Thursday was all about the defensive back room and their preparation for the upcoming 2026 season.

Defensive backs were one of the groups that retained the most of its players from last year’s roster like Jayden Bellamy, Braeden Marshall, Demari Henderson, and Nicholas Antoine.

While the room sees familiar faces, its leadership has seen quite the carousel with defensive backs coach Brandon Harris leaving the program back in early December for a role at Florida and Will Johnson, Harris’ replacement, leaving to accept a defensive assistant position with the Minnesota Vikings in late February.

With the hire of coach David Overstreet II in late March, the secondary is looking to see improved and continued production among the group while also developing younger players.

Defensive Back Work at its Finest

With some sights from the field, we got to see the secondary in action. They have displayed their willingness to improve and to be coached under coach Overstreet and show full effort on the practice field.

• In opening practice drills, redshirt senior DJ Bell forced an incompletion in a pass breakup on freshman wide receiver Tyren Hornes. However, Bell says it should have been an interception and hopes to improve.

• Coach Overstreet also displays high levels of energy and is seen on the sideline, very enthusiastic, following impressive defensive plays on the practice field, like the one made by Bell.

• The Knights secondary took part in tackling drills as well with emphasis on contact and driving though that contact. While many players executed the contact properly, there was emphasis on “driving driving driving”.

• The secondary also took part in back peddling and pad leveling drills to emphasis the importance staying on your feet and ready to jump on the ball if needed.

• By routine, the Knights also covered ball tracking as they ran towards the end zone tracking lobbed throws.

Coach Overstreet Passing Along NFL Knowledge

Coach Overstreet brings along years of NFL experience due to his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and most recently the Dallas Cowboys. He hopes to take his professional experience to the collegiate level to best prepare the group for the upcoming season.

• Overstreet described the transition from the NFL to college as minor. However, what he says really differentiates the two is just the experience factor.

• He said his players have asked about who he has coached in his NFL days, including Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duron Bland and Chicago Bears corner Jaylon Johnson, and have asked to learn the skills that led them to the pros.

• He also said that adding rookies to an NFL roster is just like coaching the newer guys coming into the program, since there is a need to teach those newer players.

• When asked about his take on recruiting and how he attacks it, he compared it to NFL Free Agency where it’s constant phone calls and persuasion to bring someone on board.

• When recruiting, Overstreet said he values making personal connections and true relationships with players.

Biggest Room for Improvement: Takeaways

When we spoke to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch during the first week of spring camp, he emphasized the necessity of getting takeaways during the season. Overstreet feels the exact same and has implemented ways to drive the need for turnovers.

• UCF’s passing defense ranked third in the Big 12 last year, but they were ranked tenth in defensive takeaways. While the team stayed strong against the pass, the low production on takeaways highlighted a need for change for next season.

• Coach Overstreet says players have to keep the ball in mind, emphasizing that nothing is more important than the football.

• Overstreet mentioned that he constantly has players analyzing moments in film where a PBU or tackle could have been an interception or a fumble, reinforcing in their minds that the ball is most important.

• He also mentions that he uses techniques that keep players focused on the ball when it comes to new defensive schemes and plays that could better increase the chances of a takeaway.

Establishing a Culture in a Short Time

With several changes to the defensive back coaching position, establishing a connection and building a culture can be made difficult. However, coach Overstreet and senior defensive back Antione Jackson offer their views on how the room has adapted in such a short time under Overstreet.

• Coach emphasized the importance of being genuine and having a real bond with players. He also noted that faking a connection is easy to see, so he pushes for authentic connections with players.

• He also put into perspective how he views his players. He stated that when he is talking about a player, he isn’t caring to No. 7, but he is caring to Antione Jackson, showing his connection to the players.

• Jackson spoke on his connection with Overstreet and his adjustment from his perspective. He said he is genuine and is really trying hard to get to know each player.

• When asked about his favorite part of Overstreet’s coaching style, Jackson said his energy is his big quality.

• With Overstreet only in the program for a short time, Jackson said the mindset for adjusting quickly and constantly is simple: “It’s either you adjust or get left behind.”

• Overall, the cornerback room is glad to have Overstreet, glad his energy keeps the flow of practice, and hopeful of continuing to build relationships and solidifying a brotherhood for next season.

Veteran Players Looking to Make an Impact

We got the chance to hear from senior defensive back Antione Jackson and redshirt senior defensive back DJ Bell about how they plan to carry their leadership into a room with many returning players.

• Jackson said he hopes to use his veteran leadership to bring the team closer. Once again, using the term “brotherhood,” he said it means everything to come back and be in that position.

• In a room full of veterans and returning players, he said the expectations are very high and that he hopes to carry them into the rest of spring camp, fall camp, and the season.

• Bell also added input on the veteran presence in the room, noting that the sense of continuity from last year to this year fosters deeper connections and stronger bonds throughout.

• He also compared the culture from last year to this year, saying this year’s group was more mature. He said guys are coming in earlier, whether to prepare their bodies for the day or just to talk to the coaches.

What’s Next?

• Wide Receivers Coach Sean Beckton Sr. will speak to the media on Saturday, April 18, following a closed practice.