The University of Alabama received a packaged deal in its 2015 football recruiting class with Florida natives Calvin Ridley and Shawn Burgess-Becker; however, one has decided to return to the sunshine state. Rumors concerning a possible transfer started earlier this month for Burgess-Becker and on last week, he confirmed all statements by declaring the transfer via social media.
Tuff Training Inc., a fundamental strength and conditioning program in South Florida, posted a photo on Twitter showing Burgess-Becker committed to the Central Florida Golden Knights.
Fresh start at a new home! @_SBB2 is now a UCF Knight!!!!! Be Great #TuffFamily we pulling for you! 🏈💯 pic.twitter.com/OwKlhTFItS
— TUFF Training, Inc. (@RehmanZack) June 26, 2016
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety played in 14 games last season during the Crimson Tide’s run to a national championship. He recorded three solo tackles, with two coming on special teams.
Burgess-Becker was a four-star prospect upon enrolling at Alabama.
He joins a UCF program that was winless in 12 games a year ago. George O’Leary, who served at head coach for 12 seasons (2004-15), resigned in 2015 after the team started 0-8.
Defensively, the Golden Knights allowed 37.7 points and 464.1 yards per game.
Opponents’ completed 65.4 percent of its pass attempts for 3,179 yards with 31 touchdowns to four interceptions. Burgess-Becker will be a part of a rebuilding team under a new coach, but he won’t be able to play this fall because of the transfer rule.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
