Just one of nine seniors on a UCF Knights teams that has been hit with some major injuries this year, Defensive End Thomas Niles has had to step up and become a leader. Normally one of the quiet guys, Niles has seen his role change this year and has become more vocal for the Knights. This new trait surprised even some of Niles' teammates, including linebacker Domenic Spencer, "Now when I hear Thomas on the field yelling, 'C'mon dog, c'mon dog.' I'm like, 'Who?' Is that Thomas talking? Thomas has become a vocal leader, but we need that. I'm proud of him; he's come a long way." Besides being a leader vocally, Niles has also shown his leadership through his play.
Niles started his senior season being named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, which is awarded to the Top Interior Lineman in the nation. Despite a tough start to the season for UCF, Niles continues to lead the Knights and is one of two active players who have more than 40 career tackles.