Josh Robinson to enter NFL Draft

Junior cornerback Josh Robinson has elected to forgo his senior season as a Knight and enter the NFL Draft.

UCF Athletics announced Robinson's decision Sunday afternoon, confirming speculation that the All-Conference USA First Team defensive back would make the jump to the next level.

"I've been in discussions with the Robinson family over the holidays, and after I met with them Saturday regarding the pros and cons of entering the draft as well as staying in school, the family decided that he wanted to declare for the draft," head coach George O'Leary said in a statement. "I wish him well in his future endeavors in the NFL and I hope everything works out for Josh and his family."

Robinson started all 12 games at cornerback as a junior. Robinson recorded 48 tackles (34 solo) and had two interceptions. The cornerback took one of those interceptions 32 yards the other way for a touchdown in the season opener vs. Charleston Southern.

Since his freshman season, when Robinson amassed six interceptions, opposing offensive coordinators have had to game plan around the standout from Plantation High School in Sunrise.

Robinson's departure will mean the Knights' secondary, which struggled at times this season because of youth and injuries, will have a huge void to fill. That challenge will largely rest upon new defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, who joined the program in December after his time with Alabama as a graduate assistant.