For years, Kyle Israel had to avoid being tackled on the field. Now in his life after football, the former UCF quarterback is tackling the profession of sports broadcasting.

On June 2, Israel joined the Orlando Predators radio broadcast team as color analyst for road broadcasts on 740 AM The Game. This fall, Israel will be in the booth alongside David Baumann for Bright House Sports Network's coverage of UCF Football.

Israel, who graduated from UCF with a degree in radio/television, says he always wanted to stay around football after his playing days were over.

"I always wanted to find a way to be part of the game after college," Israel said. "I am very thankful to Bright House for the opportunity. I'm looking forward to an exciting season both in the broadcast booth and on the football field."

Israel isn't the only former Knight athlete who has gotten involved in sports broadcasting: Mike O'Donnell has worked the last two seasons as the analyst on men's basketball radio broadcasts with Marc Daniels and also on TV for BHSN's coverage of both UCF men's and women's basketball. Former legendary Knight Softball pitching great Allison Kime also served as color analyst for BHSN coverage of UCF Softball this past season along with contributions to UCF Softball broadcasts during the year on UCFAthletics.com.

Israel, who graduated from University High School in 2003, attained many honors in high school. Among them were leading his school to its first winning season in 12 years, being named Orange County's Offensive Player of the Year and being dubbed one of the top prep quarterbacks in the state of Florida.

After graduating high school, Israel continued his football career at UCF, choosing the Knights over Florida State, Texas A&M and Mississippi State. Israel went through ups and downs his first year at UCF in 2004. He appared in three games, including one start, but missed the rest of the season after breaking his leg. The Knights went 0-11 that year.

In 2005, Israel was the backup quarterback as UCF went 8-5, winning Conference USA's East Division and appearing in its first ever bowl game.

The following season, Israel split time with Steven Moffett completing 65 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,420 yards and six touchdowns.

In his senior year in 2007, Israel earned the starting job outright as UCF played their first season ever on campus at the newly constructed Bright House Networks Stadium. He helped pilot the Knights to a 10-4 record, throwing for 2,173 yards and 15 touchdown passes while running for five touchdowns as UCF won its first conference championship, defeating Tulsa, to go play in the Liberty Bowl.

Following UCF, Israel focused on his post-football career in broadcasting as he was hired in the spring of 2008 by Bright House Sports Network to be their college football analyst.

In 2009, Israel was presented with a unique opportunity to get back on the football field by playing overseas in Europe in the German Football League. Playing for the Dresden Monarchs, Israel helped lead the team into the league playoffs.

Though he considers playing in Germany one of his best decisions aside from attending UCF, Israel declined to play a second season with the Monarchs in order to return to Orlando and focus back on his career in broadcasting.

After returning from Germany, Israel's on-air appearances increased and he was a part of the BHSN pregame show prior to the 2009 St. Petersburg Bowl, featuring his alma mater, UCF, as they took on Rutgers.

Now this upcoming season Israel will be doing color commentating for high school and UCF Football games on the network.

"Kyle's experience as the former quarterback of the UCF Knights gives him a unique perspective on the game," says BHSN's David Baumann. "His football knowledge is clearly communicated on a Bright House Sports Network telecast. Not only that, but his outgoing personality and sense of humor adds an entertainment element to the broadcast."

Whether Israel is on the field or broadcasting, one thing that is for sure is his passion for the game is still there. He'll get to showcase that once again this fall inside Bright House Networks Stadium, only this time it will be inside the broadcast booth.

Audio: Click here to listen to the interview with Kyle IsraelClick Eric Lopez recently caught up with Israel to reflect on his storied UCF career, playing overseas in Germany and also on his broadcasting endeavors. During the 20-minute interview, Israel also offers his thoughts on UCF's upcoming 2010 season including the quarterback position.Here to view this Link.