Several UCF Knights came up big in their Big 12 home opener win against the TCU Horned Frogs, and all were Gus Malzahn recruits.

Running back Taevion Swint, tight end Caden Piening and defensive backs Demari Henderson and Braeden Marshall each had defining plays against TCU.

Marshall started with a fumble recovery in the first drive. His recovery gave UCF its first takeaway en route to a dominant defensive performance, forcing four.

The senior has 15 tackles (10 solo, five assisted), and he's off to a promising start in his goal of leaving a legacy as a hometown hero.

Marshall recorded two interceptions last season, including the game-sealing one against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Senior Knight. He sent the seniors off with a win in their final home game, and this season, his underclassmen hope to do the same for him.

Swint scored the Knights' first touchdown after Marshall's recovered fumble. He bounced a run outside, dodging Horned Frogs defenders down the sideline.

The redshirt freshman is part of a strong running back trio next to Duke Watson and Landen Chambers. His lightning-quick speed makes him a big-play threat on every rush, and he's returning kickoffs for UCF.

Swint missed his freshman season due to sustaining an injury in fall camp. He slowly worked his way back to the field, wanting to prove himself to the team and his community.

Piening scored the second touchdown in the second quarter, running down the seam and fighting through contact. The redshirt freshman has 60 yards on four receptions and has solidified his role as second tight end next to Dylan Wade.

Henderson got a crucial sack the play before quarterback Jaden Craig threw his second interception. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch sent the redshirt senior to blitz Craig's blindside, and he sacked him for a nine-yard loss on 2nd-and-8.

He's made big plays for UCF in back-to-back games. Henderson caught two interceptions against the Georgia State Panthers last Saturday and earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.

Malzahn's tenure with the Knights was average, as he started strong with back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021 and 2022. The team regressed after jumping to the Big 12, posting a six-win season in 2023 and a four-win season in 2024.

Recruiting was his strength, as several players who committed to UCF went to the NFL. Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey is Malzahn's most popular recruit who has succeeded at the next level.

Source: Yahoo Sports