The Best Players in Modern UCF Football History: Number 8
Running backs have always been a priority at UCF. In fact some of the most productive players in UCF history have been running backs. Many of which can be considered for this list. But there are two in particular that really standout from the pack. Two that have provided UCF fans with a boatload of memories and should be revered in lore. Without these two backs, UCF would not have a conference championship or a bowl win. Still there is a gap between the two backs and we will get to the other running back later(though UCF fans can figure out who that is). But for now let us talk about the player that is coming in at 8. A player that was supposed to be the heir app rant at the running back position in 2008 and delivered. A player that carried the team to a conference championship and the first bowl win in UCF history.
Number 8: Latavius Murray
Latavius Murray was not a well known commodity to UCF fans when he was first signed. Murrary after all was from New York and not Florida. But Murray would soon become a beloved player in UCF fans hearts. Murray was an elegant bull. The reincarnation of Chris Perry. He wasn't the fastest of players, but he had the raw power. The power to make people pay for trying to arm tackle him. If it wasn't for Kevin Smith, Latavius Murray could be considered the best running back in UCF history. Murrary was also one of the key contributors to one of the greatest upsets in UCF history. In fact one can say that without Latavius Murray that modern UCF football would look very different. He was the heart and soul of the teams that he played on and is one of the most beloved players. That is why he comes in at number 8.
Latavius Murray numbers are beyond impressive. In his years at UCF, Murray compiled 2,424 rushing yards with 37 touchdowns on 453 career carries. On top of this he had 50 catches for 524 yards and 6 TDS. To say that Murray was a workhorse is an understatement. The only reason why he didn't get more carries is because he was injured his true sophomore year. On top of his stats, Murray had a number of accolades. He was the 2010 Conference USA championship MVP, the 2010 Liberty Bowl MVP, he was the UCF offensive MVP, conference USA first team, and was named to the Doak Walker award watchlist in 2012. For any other program, Murray would widely be considered one of their, if not the, best running back. Latavius Murray was a special player.
Earlier, I talked about player's having special moments. Moments that last forever in a fanbase's collective memory. Well in 2010, Latavius Murray had his moment. In the Liberty Bowl against a favored Georgia team. The SEC prides itself on defense especially with stopping the run. Yet, Murray ran for 104 yards and was a heat seeking missile through the Bulldog defense. They couldn't figure out how to stop Murray. But the moment that truly stands is his run to seal the game. UCF was trailing 6-3 with 9:03 left in the fourth quarter. UCF had the ball at the ten yard line and a field goal would have sealed a tie. Instead UCF handed the ball off to Murray who took it in for a touchdown. It would be the game winning score and sealed UCF's first ever bowl win. Without that run, UCF is not the program that it is today. That touchdown shaped modern UCF history. That could not have occurred if not for Latavius Murray.
Latavius Murray was truly a special player for UCF. He is one of the most beloved players in UCF history. He is probably the second best running back that UCF has ever had. One has to wonder if he hadn't gotten injured earlier in his career what his stats would have looked like. The only reason why Murray isn't higher up in this list is because Kevin Smith played here. If Smith did not exist, than Murray would be considered the greatest UCF running back in history.
Hint for Number 7: The most Popular and productive defensive end makes an appearance.
