UCF running back Otis Anderson declares for 2021 NFL draft
UCF running back Otis Anderson is the latest player to leave the program, announcing Thursday he is declaring for the upcoming NFL draft.
Anderson joins receivers Marlon Williams, Tre Nixon and Jacob Harris and running back Greg McCrae leaving UCF rather than using a bonus year of college eligibility provided by the NCAA.
“Dear Knight Nation, the past 4 years have been nothing short of greatness. I love you all and if I had to go back to my senior year of High School I would still make the decision that brought me to UCF,” Anderson wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. “I have poured everything I could into this program and received the fruits of the labor put forth!
“I want to thank Scott Frost and his staff for believing in me, and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I would also like to thank Josh Heupel and his current staff for coming in and continuing to develop me as a player. Last but not least, the support staff that works hard every day for our athletes.”
Anderson spent time as a tailback, receiver and return specialist during his four-year career at UCF, finishing with 2,182 rushing yards and 1,025 receiving yards. He averaged 6.1 yards per attempt during his career, which ranks second best in school history.
With the emergence of receivers like Williams, Harris, Jaylon Robinson and Ryan O’Keefe, Anderson spent more time in the backfield in 2020. He finished second on the team with 687 yards and four touchdowns. In his final game against BYU in the Boca Raton Bowl, he finished with 73 yards on 16 carries.
The departure of Anderson and McCrae means UCF goes into the 2021 season with little veteran leadership. Redshirt junior Bentavious Thompson, who has appeared in 33 games during his career, leads a tailback group that is big on talent but lacks practical experience.
Sophomore Damarius Good and freshman Johnny Richardson have seen limited action along with Virginia transfer R.J. Harvey, who is making the switch from quarterback to tailback. Newcomer Anthony Williams, a 3-star product out of Lake Brantley also joins the unit.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.
