Knights’ Oldham savors rebound from injuries
It took a few days for Taylor Oldham to purge UCF’s loss to Temple out of his mind. He knew he waited just a second too late to accelerate on a cut toward the end zone, costing the senior receiver a signature touchdown that could have helped the Knights seal a victory.
But Oldham weathered enough adverse situations in the past four years with the Knights to understand it takes more than one moment to define a player. So the following week, he strung together a series of moments that helped carry UCF to a 24-16 victory over UConn.
Oldham teed up two of UCF’s three touchdown drives to Jordan Akins and Adrian Killins with 10-plus yard catches and was the leader among 10 athletes, including quarterback McKenzie Milton’s fluke pass to himself, with 72 receiving yards.
“I think he emerged in Coach
[Scott] Frost and [offensive coordinator Troy] Walters’ eyes as that guy they can count on to make a play,” UCF tight ends coach Sean Beckton said of Oldham. “I think the quarterbacks are understanding that if they can get the ball to him, he can make a play.”
Oldham entered the year as the oldest and most experienced receiver in a crowded group that includes 2015 American Athletic Conference rookie of the year Tre’Quan Smith. Oldham is no stranger to fighting for positioning, though, having played behind J.J. Worton, Josh Reese, Rannell Hall and Breshad Perriman.
Just as Oldham geared up to be the premier slot receiver last season, he suffered a devastating foot injury that sidelined him for much of 2015. That injury came not long after Oldham hurt his hamstring, costing him some time off the field the previous year.
Last year’s foot injury was the lowest point in his career at UCF, said Oldham’s roommate and UCF quarterback Pete DiNovo.
“There was a point throughout the whole process where he was just down in the dumps and almost to the point where he was like, ‘I don’t know even know if I want to do this anymore,’ ” said DiNovo, who would often help Oldham run routes late at night in the field house. “He just kept fighting through it, stayed strong, worked his tail off with the trainers. He got right and now he’s back out there pushing through it and just playing really well. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Coincidentally, UCF’s contest against UConn last year marked Oldham’s return to the field. But he was only operating around 70 percent, Beckton recalled.
Oldham has never been concerned with being “the man.” Instead, he just wants to be a man who can help the Knights wherever possible.
Oldham typically plays in the slot but was moved to the outside against UConn to help the team’s depth as sophomore receiver Tristan Payton served a team suspension. Freshman
“I love Taylor. He’s steady, does everything you ask and is solid.” UCF offensive coordinator and receivers coach Troy Walters
Dredrick Snelson also filled in the gap with a key performance, catching five passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. Snelson, Oldham and tight end Jordan Akins were targeted six times apiece against the Huskies.
“I love Taylor,” UCF offensive coordinator and receivers coach Troy Walters said. “He’s steady, does everything you ask and is solid. Right now, he’s playing both inside and outside, so whatever we need for him to do, he wants to do and he’s a great leader and ambassador for UCF football and what Coach Frost is trying to establish here . ... Hopefully we can win some more games and the seniors can go out with a bowl [game] on a high note.”
However UCF’s season ends, Oldham said it has already been his favorite year.
Even though he still feels a nagging pain in his right foot with every step, he’s also feeling more joy playing the game than he has in a while.
“You might go through things, but you’ll eventually get past it,” Oldham said. “There’s new obstacles every day.”