UCF has seen big contributions from freshmen this season.

McKenzie Milton is the starting quarterback. Jawon Hamilton and Adrian Killins have played a big role at running back and in the case of Killins, returning kicks. Jordan Johnson is starting at offensive guard. Dredrick Snelson is getting his feet wet as part of the receiving corps. Trysten Hill has been a force on the defensive line.

Then there's linebacker Nate Evans, who has quietly been making an impact as a starter on all four special teams units. He recorded his first tackle against FIU, added a couple more at East Carolina and then another against UConn.

"I've embraced the role," Evans said. "It's been fun. I'm thankful and blessed they gave me the opportunity. I'm making the best of it."

Evans thought he would probably redshirt this season, but the experience he's gaining as a travel team member will likely be a benefit next spring when he's competing for a primary spot at inside linebacker. The Knights will graduate several seniors there, including Demeitre Brim and Mark Rucker.

"Right now we have Brim, Ruck and Quan (Chequan Burkett) as the seniors, though Quan can stay another year," Evans said. "Then it's Pat (Jasinski) and me in the linebacker room. It's a great learning experience being the only freshman in there. I'm just embracing the role and learning. I'm learning a whole lot from Ruck, Quan and Pat, so when my time comes I'll be able to make the most of it."

Currently ranked No. 3 in the American in total defense, UCF has surpassed all expectations in the first year under defensive coordinator Erik Chinander and the transition to the 3-4 front. The linebackers have played a huge role, particularly Shaquem Griffin who has a conference-leading 8.5 sacks.

"It's been an amazing experience," Evans said. "It's just been fun watching the guys go out and have fun playing the game that they love. For me, watching them do that, that's what I'm expecting. Coach (Erik) Chinander is doing a good job with the defense and we're all coming together as a unit. There are small, little things we need to change here and there, but nothing big. Just keep it rolling."

Being from New Orleans, Evans is very familiar with UCF's upcoming opponent, Tulane. His alma mater, John Curtis Christian High School, has three players on the current Green Wave roster: Running back Sherman Badie, defensive back Richard Allen and linebacker Eric Thompson.

Like UCF, Tulane has a new head coach, Willie Fritz, who has installed a completely new option-based offense. It will be the Knights' first time defending that sort of attack.

"With the option, everybody just has to play their role and play as a unit," Evans said. "If we do that, we'll have a good outcome as a defensive unit."

Kickoff between UCF and Tulane is set for 5 p.m. and it will be the first of a three-game homestand for the Knights, who need to win at least two of their final four games to attain the needed six wins for bowl eligibility.

"Home field advantage is a big deal," Evans said. "To come and play for the fans is going to be real exciting. We have to pull some of these games out to get to a bowl game."