UCF lands tight end commit

UCF added a future tight end to their program on Thursday night with a commitment from Anthony Roberson who pledged during an unofficial visit to campus.

The only question is whether he'll officially be on campus this summer or next January.

The big 6-foot-5, 225-pound target recently graduated from The Benedictine School in Richmond. The plan had been to go to Fork Union Prep School this fall with the intent of enrolling next January as a member of the Class of 2017.

However, Roberson - a full NCAA qualifier - said UCF was exploring the possibility of summer enrollment so he could begin college immediately. The Knights will need an open scholarship for that to happen.

"I liked everything about the school," Roberson said. "I would say what made me feel most comfortable to commit was the vibe I got from the coaches. It wasn't about all football to them. They want me to not only mature as an athlete but as a man, leader, student, and follower of Christ. I'm very excited about this next step."

Tight ends are especially valuable in the Oregon-style offense Scott Frost is implementing at UCF. While on the visit, Frost compared the big 6-foot-5, 225-pounder to a player he's coached the last few years: Oregon's Pharaoh Brown, one of the best in college football at that position.

"I'm a big fan of Pharaoh Brown so it's really cool to be compared to him," Roberson said.

Rutgers, Marshall, Buffalo, UMass and Toledo were among the other schools to have also shown interest. UCF offered in May.

If he can't enroll immediately, Roberson would be UCF's sixth pledge in the Class of 2017. But he's hoping he'll be the 22nd player in the incoming recruiting class that will begin reporting next week.

"Hopefully they can bring me in by August camp," Roberson said.