Our Future UCF Knights Hall of Famers series continues with arguably the greatest quarterback in UCF history, Blake Bortles.

Blake Bortles

2010-2013

Say what you want to about his pro career, but when you list the greatest quarterbacks to ever put on the black and gold, Blake Bortles is one of your top three options.

When Bortles came to UCF from Oviedo High School, he was initially thought to be a potential tight end, especially after fellow true freshman Jeff Godfrey led UCF to its first bowl victory the same year.

But then, in 2011, Bortles won the job, and never looked back. In 2012, he led UCF to a convincing win over Ball State in the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl:

Then in 2013, it happened:

But the legend of Blake Bortles can really be traced to that cold October night in Louisville, and what UCF fans forever will call “The Drive”:

Bortles led the Knights to the inaugural championship of the American Athletic Conference, earning the league’s automatic berth to a BCS bowl at the 2014 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl:

He passed for 301 yards and rushing for 93 yards and four total touchdowns, and led UCF to an upset of fifth-ranked Baylor, 52–42. For his efforts, Bortles was named the Offensive MVP of the game.

Bortles went 22-5 as a starter and 2-0 in bowl games, also including an MVP performance in winning the 2012 Beef O’Brady’s Bowl. He ranks in top four in all significant passing categories at UCF, including number one all-time in career passer rating with 153.6. Bortles is also the highest UCF player to ever get drafted, going third overall in the 2014 NFL Draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Accomplishments

• First-team All-AAC (2013)
• AAC Champion (2013)
• AAC Offensive Player of the Year (2013)
• Second-team All-Conference USA (2012)
• Conference USA Champion (2010)
• Two Bowl MVP Awards