UCF picks up first 2019 commitment from QB Charlie Dean

UCF's 2019 recruiting class has started off with a bang.

Tampa (Fla.) Catholic quarterback Charlie Dean, offered by Josh Heupel exactly one week ago, announced his commitment to the Knights on Friday night.

"I want to thank everyone who has helped me on my recruiting journey," Dean posted in a tweet. "Above all, I am thankful to God for my life and the people in it. Thank you to my family - especially my mom and dad, who have supported, loved and counseled me every step of the way. I have been blessed with great teammates and coaches who believe in me. I would not be the player or person I am without Coach Greg, Coach Grady and Coach Garcia.

"I am excited to announce that I have committed to continue my education and my football career at the University of Central Florida. I so appreciate Coach Heupel's confidence in me. I have always been taught that to whom much is given, much is expected. I will work every day to be the best I can be, and to make my family, team and school proud."

It's the earliest pledge on record for UCF, who typically had received their first commits for the next year's recruiting class in March or April.

Dean, who passed for 1,743 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior, has been offered thus far by Toledo, Western Kentucky, Central Michigan, Northern Iowa and Harvard and was on the radar of many more schools.

UCFSports.com plans to interview Dean over the weekend.