In good position(s)
UCF OL Cole Schneider shows off skill set in close Hula Bowl
For UCF offensive lineman Cole Schneider, playing his final college football game at the Bounce House was a storybook ending.
It’s why he was thrilled despite his team losing 21-20 in the Hula Bowl over the weekend at UCF’s on-campus football stadium.
“Being able to end it where I started, it’s the best thing ever,” Schneider said after the game. “It’s the best thing for me and I couldn’t be any happier.”
Schneider played for Team Aina, who came up just short to Team Kai, in the college football all-star game and rotated along the offensive line throughout the afternoon.
He also had the chance to play alongside former UCF and Florida State quarterback McKenzie Milton.
“It was a great experience and there was a great atmosphere too,” Schneider said. “A lot of the guys came to play and it was a great time being back on the field with KZ as well. No better way to send it off.”
Although it was merely an exhibition game, the Hula Bowl came down to the wire.
Trailing by one, Milton led Team Aina downfield as the clock ticked but threw an interception at 1:34 of the fourth quarter to Virginia safety Joey Blount.
The turnover clinched the win for Team Kai.
“I really didn’t know what was going to happen coming into it,” Schneider said. “All of us flew in, drove in a week ago and had a big playbook to get under and it ended up being a great game. I think both sides of the field did great and it was a great game.”
While he wanted his team to win the game, Schneider was also focused on impressing the 100 or so scouts from the NFL, CFL and other professional leagues who were in attendance.
Schneider has started 46 of the past 48 games for UCF at center, guard or tackle and believes his versatility up front gives him a good chance at the next level.
“I think I really showed my skillset in practice and in any way I can, jumping around positions if I need to in drills,” Schneider said. “I think it’s the best way I could do it this past week.”
Still, he was aware of how special of an opportunity it was to play with Milton in their final college football.
“It felt like 2018 all over again,” Schneider said. “It’s just awesome to have him behind you calling the shots. The motivation is definitely there and he makes you want to play hard for him.”
“The energy was there, we were moving the ball, having a great time and that’s what it’s all about.”
“It was a great experience and there was a great atmosphere too. A lot of the guys came to play and it was a great time being back on the field with KZ as well. No better way to send it off.”
— Cole Schneider, UCF offensive lineman