UCF flips 2025 commitment from 3-star Tampa Bay Tech defensive back

UCF continues to work the summer recruiting trail, with the Knights landing a commitment from 3-star defensive back Rukeem Stroud out of Tampa Bay Tech.

The 5-foot-11 Stroud committed to Wisconsin on June 2 but de-committed on Monday after receiving an official offer from UCF. The cornerback has 29 recruiting offers from various schools, such as Colorado, Duke, Kansas State, Ole Miss, and USF.

Stroud had 50 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 32 passes defended and 6 interceptions in three seasons with the Titans, where he also runs track.

Business Decision @SteezoDsgn @TBTFootball @KevinHobbs_DC @tech813coach pic.twitter.com/6zo8gD8qJa

— Rukeem Stroud 4 (@rstroud06) June 24, 2024

He becomes the 10th commitment of UCF’s 2025 recruiting class and the second defensive back among the group, joining safety Tony Williams (Palm Beach Central). The class ranks in the top 50 of the latest according to 247Sports’ composite rankings and eighth overall in the Big 12.

Stroud joins fellow Tampa Bay Tech receiver Santonyo Isaac, who committed to the Knights in December.

“We’re really trending in a good direction recruiting right now,” coach Gus Malzahn recently told the Sentinel. “Every year, it’s more and more about NIL (name, image and likeness) and the collective (The Kingdom), and we’re starting to get more competitive in that area.”

All verbal commitments are non-binding but can become official during the early signing period in December.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com