UCF defensive back Devunte Dawson became the first Knight to opt out of playing the upcoming football season due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
“I will be opting out of this season due to COVID-19 #GodsPlan,” Dawson posted on his Instagram page Thursday night.
The redshirt junior joined the UCF program as part of the 2019 recruiting class after spending time at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. The three-star prospect out of Hurst, Texas spent the past two seasons with the Red Ravens, amassing 69 tackles and two interceptions.
The American Athletic Conference said it will honor the scholarships of any athletes who choose to sit out the fall semester.