Published Jun 18, 2024
Four-star WR Waden Charles bonded with coaches, players on UCF visit
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Brandon Helwig  •  UCFSports
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Waden Charles loved his official visit experience at UCF.

The four-star wide receiver from Palm Beach Central committed to Miami last fall before reopening his recruitment several weeks ago. He took his first official visit to Arkansas on June 7 and spent this past weekend in Orlando.

"I had a great time," Charles said. "It was a great atmosphere. It's a great relationship I'm building with the coaches and players on the team.

"My host was Stacy Gage, the freshman running back. I was hanging out with other players too. We went out and had a good time. They treated me like I was one of the players already. It was a great time."

The outings included a trip to Universal's Island of Adventure. His favorite ride was the Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

Charles spent a lot of time with head coach Gus Malzahn and most of the offensive staff, including Tim Harris Jr., Darin Hinshaw and Nate Craig-Myers.

"We had a whole meeting going over the offense," Charles said. "They showed me some of the big plays they made, how they run their offense and move guys around, putting guys in position to make plays. They were showing that I can do the same thing."

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As a junior, Charles had 30 receptions for 478 yards and seven touchdowns.

"I'm versatile," he said. "I can do everything. I can run routes, go in the slot and go vertical. I can block, do jet sweeps, all that."

Charles could play a big role in what Malzahn is trying to build.

"He wants people like me, high-level players, to help them win," Charles said. "He has a big vision for this team and if I'm a part of it it'll be a good outcome."

What stands out the most about UCF?

"Definitely the City of Orlando," Charles said. "The people around here. There's a lot of great people. It's a beautiful place. It's Florida, it doesn't get any better than that. It's a real genuine coaching staff. I like everything."

In addition to Arkansas, Charles said Louisville, Florida and Florida State were among the other schools keeping in touch.

"I think I'm going to be patient (with the process) since I just decommitted," Charles said. "I'm going to weigh my options and make sure I make the best decision for me... I definitely want to go to a school where I'll get developed and have an opportunity early on, make a big impact. Relationships with the coaches are also important."


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