Knights Next Level

 NFL teams have officially started their rookie minicamps. You can find out about the progress and interactions that have transpired during some coveted draft picks like Geno Smith and Manti Te'o's experience on SportsCenter. However there are some very good players from my very own university, the one and only University of Central Florida, that have also recently gotten their first taste of NFL life.

Kemal Ishmael

  Kemal Ishmael, a strong safety from Miami, Florida, was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 7th round. Ishmael had 4 remarkable seasons while at UCF topped off with being named the Conference USA's Defensive Player of the Year this past season. The Falcons pick up a safety that also excels at tackling with Ishamael being just the third Knight in UCF history to lead the team in tackles three times in his career (2010-2012). Below Ishmael is running a drill at the Falcons rookie camp last weekend. 

Latavius Murray

  Latavius Murray, a running back originally from Nedrow, New York, was drafted in the 6th round by the Oakland Raiders. Murray made All C-USA First Team this past season, finished his college career second overall in UCF history in touchdowns with 44, and was named the team's MVP in 2011. Murray played for UCF from 2008-2012 receiving a red shirt his sophomore season (2009) to recover from knee surgery. The following season he made a major comeback by helping the Knights get to the Conference USA Championship in which he was named the 2010 C-USA Championship MVP. Already, Murray has made a great impression on the Raiders during rookie minicamp. At 6-3 and 230 pounds, he is bigger than most running backs and stronger than most receivers as Murray has also ran routes for the Raiders as a receiver. Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said:

"He runs nice routes, he's extremely intelligent so he's picked up the offense really well, and he's got really soft hands so he does a nice job not only catching the ball but when you look at it he's done a nice job of picking up in pass protection."

  This week, the real pros will join the camp so of course Murray still has more to prove but first impressions are lasting impressions.

Quincy McDuffie

  Quincy McDuffie, wide receiver from Orlando, Florida, was signed as free-agent to the Denver Broncos. McDuffie finished his career as a Knight as the all-time leader in UCF history in kickoff return touchdowns, kickoff returns, and kickoff return yards. He has great speed and does a good job at keeping his speed even when having to change direction. McDuffie will have to continue to prove himself since he wasn't drafted but he definitely has the skill set, toughness, and mentality to do so. 

Ray Shipman

  Ray Shipman, offensive linebacker from Miami, Florida, was signed as free agent to the New Orleans Saints. This past season Shipman started in 12 games and recorded 91 tackles for UCF. He is listed at 6-5 and 242 pounds and with all the training Shipman put in prior to draft day I'm sure he will get his moment. The Saints minicamp commenced on Friday at their facility but unfortunately it was not open to any of the public so no photos have been released. However, I did recover this photo from Shipman's Instagram.

  Other former Knights including A.J Bouye and Troy Davis have also been signed to NFL teams, the Houston Texans and the New York Jets respectively, as free-agents. Knights always do work so I'm confident that all of these men will work hard to reach their goals and produce at the next level. No matter what team they play for now or in the future, we all know a little black and gold will still run through your veins. Congratulations gentlemen! 

Sources: Bleacher Report, UCF Athletics, SB Nation