2018 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Conference Title Games

Kyle Gibson (FS – Central Florida) vs. Memphis

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If you like offense, the American Athletic Conference Championship Game is must-see television. Both schools rank in the top four in points scored, averaging a combined 91.9 per contest. In a game like this, one defensive stop can be the difference between a win and a loss. In this case, the AAC title isn’t the only thing on the line as the winner will represent the Group of Five in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

That one defensive stop could come from Central Florida free safety Kyle Gibson. A late-round prospect, Gibson could enter the 2018 NFL Draft, but is more likely to wait until 2019. Gibson all but ended any hope Memphis had in the regular season meeting between these two teams back in September when he undercut a route and picked off a Riley Ferguson pass in the third quarter.

Gibson is the constantly around the ball and leads the Knights in both interceptions (4) and fumble recoveries (2) this season. With Ferguson looking to improve his own 2018 NFL Draft stock, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him drop back to throw 50 times in this game. While he’ll keep his eyes on his favorite target, wide receiver Anthony Miller, all game, he’ll also need to know where Gibson is at all times. In a quest to remain undefeated, look for Gibson and the UCF defense to step up.