2024 DL Marcus Downs commits to UCF: 'After the visit, I knew my decision'

UCF came in with an offer for Marcus Downs during the season. Once the offer was presented to the three-star defensive lineman out of Taylors (S.C.) Riverside, the Knights pushed hard.

Kenny Martin recruited Downs. They built a relationship in October and November, then in December, Downs took his official visit to UCF. That was all he needed.

“On the official visit, I saw it was like one big family at UCF,” Downs told On3. “All are cool with each other. I love the culture there. The environment and the relationships were a big part of my decision. After the visit, I knew my decision.”

His trust in Coach Martin played a role too. Downs is about development and he believes Coach Martin can help him get where he wants to be.

“He is a great coach. He is young, he is building the UCF defensive line and the players have shown progression under him. I like Coach Martin’s energy too. I believe he will coach me, develop me and help me be great at UCF.”

Coach Martin is part of Gus Malzahn‘s staff in Orlando. He is 24-14 at UCF after winning a National Championship at Auburn in 2010. Downs is looking forward to his future under him.

“UCF is a program on the rise,” Downs said. “I love where the program is going. UCF will be big soon and I want to be a part of what Coach Malzahn is doing.

“He has a lot of history, he is building something at UCF and I love who he is as a coach. Coach Malzahn is honest, I love our conversations and I get to be a part of his program.”

Downs said he chose UCF over Coastal Carolina and Miami. Arkansas and Liberty were others on his list.