A Pleasant Surprise

UCF’s 2009 class consisted of several blue-chip type of players like Jonathan Davis and Josh Robinson, but it might have been an under recruited corner from the same school as Davis that has made one of the biggest impacts of any freshman this summer

Going into summer camp there was a lot of talk surrounding the play of the incoming freshman class and how they were arguably the best recruiting class in UCF history. A lot of the talk was also about two big time commits in Josh Robinson and Jonathan Davis. The Knights certainly added some talent that if needed could come in and play right away. However it would be a teammate of Davis and a guy fighting Robinson for playing time that caught the attention of many people in attendance.

A.J. Bouye, standing at 6’1” 180 lbs, would be the freshman who stole the show this summer. His rare combination of speed and size made it hard for receivers to create any separation. He outshined highly touted Robinson and proved that he can hang with upperclassman wide outs. Bouye, a member of the 2009 Tucker H.S. (Ga.) state championship team, was one of the most unknown players in the Knights’ class of 2009, but his skill level and physicality made him stand out quickly. He did have six interceptions as a senior last year, which is impressive on any level, much less in a tough 5A schedule (the largest division of football in the State of Georgia) in Georgia.

Not only did Bouye surprise spectators this past month, but he also made quite the impression on the entire coaching staff.

“A.J. has been a real surprise out there, a great technique guy,” head coach George O’Leary commented. “[He is also] a 6’1” guy too, you like height out there.”

Bouye has teamed with fellow corner Kemal Ishmael to become two of the biggest surprises of camp, and both should vie for playing time in the secondary as true freshmen, as will Robinson and safety Jarrett Swaby.

“I see him (Bouye) and Ishmael as the two that can help us out there as a physical standpoint, also mental,” added O’Leary.

This corner will be easy to spot too, as he will be rocking number 19, the jersey of former Knight ‘Smokin’ Joe Burnett. Now the Knights are hoping that he can have a similar impact as well.