UCF OL Brady Wayburn Felt Like Knights Were a Perfect Fit

Brady Wayburn left the UConn Huskies after four seasons, understanding the transfer portal isn't easy to navigate. But one phone conversation with UCF Knights offensive line coach AJ Blazek made his next commitment clear. Wayburn recalled Blazek telling him that he wanted to run the same offense and schemes as UConn ran. That familiarity and Blazek's track record of turning offensive lines into elite groups led to his commitment. He played 12 games for the Huskies (six starts at right guard) and was a part of the team's No. 3 run-blocking unit in the nation. Wayburn was ranked the 42nd offensive guard and the No. 12 run-blocking tackle, with a run-blocking grade of 77.4 on the year, according to PFF. Blazek has coached some of the best run-blocking offensive lines at Wisconsin and North Dakota State. Wisconsin had the eighth-best rushing attack in the conference at 153.7 yards per game in 2024. North Dakota State set a program record in 2019. The Bison rushed for 4,601 yards en route to an undefeated season and captured their eighth FCS title in nine years. Wayburn has seemingly won the starting position at left guard through spring and fall camp. He's going to play an important role in mitigating UCF's Achilles heel: penalties. Inexperience and miscommunication resulted in frequent penalties last season. Illegal shifts, delay of games and false starts erased downfield progression throughout the season. Penalties cost the team vital conference games. UCF picked up three false starts in the fourth quarter after Kansas Jayhawks running back Leshon Williams scored the lead-taking touchdown on Oct. 4. Mitigating those mistakes has become an emphasis in practice, and it starts with pre-snap communication. "Everything we do from the moment we step on the field is getting us ready to go play that first game and just locking into the little details," Wayburn told local reporters on Wednesday. Wayburn, just like the rest of his teammates, has lofty goals for the upcoming season. He said he wants to be remembered as a Big 12 champion. UCF has struggled in the conference since joining in 2023. It sports a 7-20 Big 12 record, and poor conference play has been what's kept the team out of bowl games. However, the team feels differently this season. Multiple Knights -- Alonza Barnett III, Dylan Wade, Owen Spell and Jahleel Culbreath -- have been named to watch lists, and the program brought back 61% of last year's production. Wayburn is spending his last season in a Power Four conference, playing in a familiar running scheme. When the running backs need protection, Wayburn will be there to open the gaps. "Just a guy that's gonna move you off the ball and also have the versatility to protect when the time's needed," Wayburn said.