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UCF’s Sean Beckton Sr. Named a Top-5 WR Coach in the Big 12
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- UCF’s Sean Beckton Sr. Named a Top-5 WR Coach in the Big 12
(Mike Watters/Imagn Images)
Sean Beckton Sr. coached a top-30 UCF receiver in the Big 12, and heading into the 2026 season, he is recognized as a top-five wide receiver coach in the conference.
X user Matrix Analytical (CFBAnalytical) posted its top five wide receiver coaches in the conference on June 4. Beckton appeared on the list as the third-best coach, under Texas Tech 's Justin Johnson and Texas Christian 's Malcolm Kelly.
Beckton Sr. is also the associate head coach for the Knights. Duane Thomas Jr. had a career season under his guidance, recording 528 receiving yards, which was the 27th-best in the Big 12.
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Thomas Jr. is primed for a career season at UCF in his last year. His route-running ability is more polished, and Beckton Sr. praised the 5-foot-8 receiver for his improvement during spring camp.
"I'm proud of him because he's a lot more patient at the top of his routes," Beckton said on April 18. "He's doing a better job of winning at the top of the route. Last year, I thought when I broke him down, watched all this film, Austin Herink and myself, we looked at him, he was just sometimes he was really too quick. He didn't win the route at the top."
The Knights also have a deep receiving core featuring a rising sophomore, talented freshman and new transfer receivers. Waden Charles returned to UCF for his sophomore season and is ready to become one of Alonza Barnett III's favorite receiving targets.
Charles approached spring camp with the purpose of getting "1% better" every day. His goals for next season aren't personal-based; it's all about helping the team win its first Big 12 championship.
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UCF added a top-15 wide receiver in Tyren Hornes, and he could have an impact in his true freshman season. The 6-foot freshman tallied 802 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 54 catches in his senior season; he also tallied a rushing touchdown and 122 yards on 11 carries.
Monmouth transfer Josh Derry and Louisiana Monroe transfer Jonathan Bibbs are nice additions to the core. Both were productive receivers at their respective programs.
Derry transformed into a 1,000-yard receiver last season at Monmouth. He led the team in receiving touchdowns with 13. Bibbs had 26 receptions, 383 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Beckton Sr. has a deep receiving core to coach, especially come fall camp. Thomas Jr. is developing into a leadership role, Charles is a rising sophomore and the rest of the core is talented, too.
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