2024 FOUR-STAR S JAYLEN HEYWARD COMMITS TO UCF

WHO IS JAYLEN HEYWARD

Jaylen Heyward is a Four-Star safety from Rockledge High School in Rockledge, FL. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound hard-hitting safety, who was originally committed to Georgia, flipped to UCF forgoing opportunities to go to Miami, Michigan, and Auburn. Heyward is a two-sport athlete in high school, also runs track and was clocked at 10.79 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE COMMITMENT FOR UCF

Heyward gives the Knights 10 Four-Star commits for the 2024 recruiting class, joining Four-Star WR Bredell Richardson and Four-Star RB Frankie Arthur, both committed to UCF within the past 24 hours. Landing the trio of Four-Stars bumps UCF up in the On3 Recruiting rankings from 7th to 1st in the Big 12 Conference and from 39th to 24th overall. The Knights appear to be taking advantage of their newly claimed Power-Five status.

HOW QUICKLY CAN JAYLEN HEYWARD CONTRIBUTE AT UCF?

The Knights have 14 defensive backs in their three-deep lineup, with 10 of the 14 being juniors or seniors. Since Heyward is being recruited as a defensive back it shouldn’t be difficult to crack the three-deep in 2024. Jaylen will have an opportunity to compete for playing time right away, and with his speed, could give the Knights something they do not currently have. In addition, Heyward is going to need to put on weight in order to do so, given his slight frame.

SCOUTING JAYLEN HEYWARD

Heyward is a hard-hitting safety who is not afraid to get his pads dirty. Jaylen has good coverage skills, which he demonstrated during his junior year playing cornerback. He has committed to playing safety at UCF. That versatility will add to his chances of seeing the playing field in 2024. Heyward picked up 79 tackles and five interceptions over his sophomore and junior seasons. Has also played offense at Rockledge, accumulating 677 yards of total offense a season ago.