Big Week for UCF’s Rookie Class

The UCF NFL rookie class had their best week yet, as Detroit’s Kevin Smith made numerous highlight shows with his 35-yard touchdown run against Cleveland.

Kevin Smith had 10 carries for 45 yards against the Cleveland Browns Saturday, including his highlight-film 35-yard touchdown run. Smith has impressed coaches throughout training camp, but he hasn’t secured the starting job as of yet.

Smith has 86 yards on 22 carries in three games this preseason, and he’s done a solid job in pass protection.

---

Green Bay offensive lineman Josh Sitton has done a fine job with the Packers. Sitton has found extended playing time. Unfortunately he did suffer a twisted left knee in the first quarter of the Packers victory over the Denver Broncos. His availability for the season opener is unknown.

---

Minnesota defensive tackle Leger Douzable was very active in the Vikings 12-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers as he played much of the fourth quarter and registered a solo tackle and an assist.

---

The Kansas City Chiefs came to terms on a three-year deal with seventh-round pick tight end Mike Merritt. Merritt (6-4, 263) joined the Chiefs as the club’s second of two seventh-round selections (239th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft. He saw action in 45 games (30 starts) at Central Florida, catching 17 passes for 201 (11.8 avg.). He helped pave the way for a ground attack that averaged a conference-leading 234.8-yards per game a year ago.

Merritt started all 14 contests for the Knights in 2007, logging 12 receptions for 161 yards (13.4 avg.). He registered 84 knockdown blocks and key blocks on nine touchdown resulting drives. He was named honorable mention All-Conference USA for his efforts.

The Riviera Beach, Florida native was an all-county selection at Suncoast High School. He led his high school to its first district title in 19 years as a senior in 2001. He recorded 16 receptions for 142 yards and added 12.0 sacks his final prep campaign.