UCF adding ex-Toledo RB Boone in transfer portal

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterMay 1, 2024, 02:01 PM ET
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- College football reporter.
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
- Graduate of Northwestern University.

UCF continued to bolster its offense through the transfer portal with the addition of running back Peny Boone, who earned MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors last fall with Toledo.

Boone, who initially transferred to Louisville and spent spring practice with the Cardinals, announced his commitment Wednesday. He finished eighth nationally in rushing yards (1,400) and ninth in yards from scrimmage (1,619) in 2023, rushing for 15 touchdowns and recording 15 receptions.

The 6-foot-1 242 pounder reentered the transfer portal April 17 after initially entering it in December. He started his career at Maryland and rushed for 172 yards in 2021 before transferring to Toledo, where he had 443 rushing yards in 2022.

Boone, who is from Detroit, finished 11th nationally in rushing average (107.7 YPG) and joins a UCF offense featuring Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson at quarterback. The Knights, entering their second year in the Big 12, return leading rusher RJ Harvey, who had 1,416 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last season; No. 2 wide receiver Kobe Hudson; and others.