UCF RB Duke Watson eager to prove himself after transferring from Louisville
Celebratory backflips are nothing new in sports.
Former NASCAR driver Carl Edwards used to perform them after taking the checkered flag, as did NFL standouts Khalen Saunders ( New York Jets ) and Orlando’s own Jeremiah Ledbetter ( New York Giants ).
So when Duke Watson was asked to demonstrate a talent in front of his new teammates at UCF , the talented running back took it upon himself to showcase what he knows best.
“I flip. I only know how to do a backflip,” Watson said of his hidden talent.
The former Louisville transfer was even willing to demonstrate it to a group of media members on hand following Friday’s practice, but was quickly stopped by a representative from the school’s sports information department, hoping to avoid what could be an unfortunate disaster.
Watson, 20, hopes to turn heads with the Knights after spending two seasons with the Cardinals, following a successful high school career at Forsyth (Ga.) Mary Person High.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Watson rushed for 755 yards on 116 carries with 8 touchdowns in 19 games at Louisville. After a strong freshman campaign, he suffered an ankle injury that limited him to just 158 yards in seven games last season.
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Watson entered the transfer portal in the offseason, and a familiar face reached out to him: Trent Mossbrucker . Mossbrucker, now UCF’s general manager of football player personnel, was formerly the recruiting coordinator at Louisville.
“He recruited me [at Louisville], so I obviously knew him,” said Watson. “We kept in touch, but we started talking more when I hit the portal. That’s where our relationship was kind of built.”
“I have a special place in my heart for Duke Watson. I watched every one of his high school games and recruited him at the last place I worked,” Mossbrucker said back in late January. “I know what he can do, talent-wise.”
Watson is one of a pair of transfer running backs joining the program this offseason, along with Landen Chambers, a 5-11, 215-pound standout from Central Arkansas. The duo is expected to step into the starting roles vacated by Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon after exhausting their eligibility.
The running backs unit also features returners Taevion Swint , Agyeman Addae and Chance Nixon, along with talented freshmen Kaj Baker and Arthur Lewis IV.
“Working with Landen is great. We’re two different playing styles, but I feel like that’s the thing about the whole room,” said Watson. “I like working with the whole room. Everybody adds something different to the offense. I love that about everybody.”
“I really like where the running back room is right now,” added offensive coordinator Steve Cooper . “Of course, we’re still learning some of these assignments and we’re only three practices in, but I definitely see those guys helping this football team.”
Watson describes himself as fast and physical, a more downhill runner.
“I’m more of a team player, too,” he added. “I love to protect the quarterback. I’m more of an all-around player.”
More importantly, Watson is looking forward to showcasing his potential with his new team.
“I feel like I’m starting all over again, but this time, I know what I’m doing,” said Watson. “The second time is going to be the best time around. So, this year is definitely going to be great.
“I just want to win a lot of games and help my team. If you win a lot of games, the self-accomplishment will come later. Right now, it’s really more about helping the team and it will all come together.”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com . Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
