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UCF's Demari Henderson Graded Top Safety in FBS
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- UCF's Demari Henderson Graded Top Safety in FBS
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The UCF defense has had a strong start to the season, with the defensive line creating pressure and the secondary holding strong.
Senior defensive back Demari Henderson has been perhaps the best player on the defense, recording 29 total tackles, two interceptions, a sack, and four passes defensed through the opening weeks.
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On Monday, Henderson was graded the best safety in all of college football by Pro Football Network, coming in at a stellar 96.7.
This was 3.7 grading points higher than Cal's Isaiah Crosby in second place.
After a solid first two weeks, Henderson really turned it on in Week 3.
Against Georgia State, Henderson became the second Knight to have two or more multi-interception games in the last 18 years and just the fourth in program history, recording two interceptions and adding seven tackles.
Following his performance, he was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Week.
He followed up this showing with another big day against TCU , helping the Knights pick up a conference victory and holding transfer quarterback Jaden Craig in check.
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Henderson once again was among the team leaders in tackles, tying the team-high with five, adding a sack and pass defensed.
Henderson's sack was a huge play, bursting off the edge and taking down Craig for loss.
Henderson is the only player in the Big 12 with two or more interceptions and a sack this season.
He carried over this level of play into Saturday's loss against Houston, leading the Knights in tackles with 10, and recording two passes defensed.
His improvements as a tackler have been noticeable, as he looks more comfortable in open space and is making quick work of opposing ball carriers.
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In pass coverage, Henderson's combination of ball skills and length allows him to move in and out of the slot and outside, giving him advantages against different types of receivers.
Having Henderson available to blitz in certain packages adds another element of pressure to UCF's attack.
Heading into another ranked matchup against No. 18 Oklahoma State , the Knights' defense will need to remain locked in to keep up with the Cowboys' prolific passing attack.
After losing a shocking Week 1 matchup to Tulsa, the Cowboys have knocked off Oregon , Murray State, and West Virginia, while averaging over 46 points per game.
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Starting quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who entered the season as a dark-horse Heisman candidate, is beginning to produce like one.
In the Cowboys' three-game winning streak, Mestemaker has thrown for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns in each appearance.
