3 burning questions going into UCF’s spring football game

When UCF coach Gus Malzahn opened spring football camp in early March, he emphasized needing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

It’s been more than a month since then, and after completing over a dozen practices Malzahn and the Knights are set to exhibit their hard work during the annual spring football game at FBC Mortgage Stadium on today.

The game, which kicks off at 7 p.m., will once again feature the Knights (defense) vs. ‘Nauts (offense).

The first half will feature two 12-minute quarters before a brief halftime, followed by a skills challenge and fan activities. Fans also can participate in various activities purchased through UCF’s Name, Image and Likeness collective, The Kingdom.

For Lee Hunter, the skills challenge offers the 6-foot-4, 320-pound defensive tackle a chance to work on punt returns.

“I’m kind of a big guy, so it’s natural for me,” Hunter said with a smile.

Beyond the extracurricular activities, there is much to watch and follow during UCF’s spring game:

Who’s expected to stand out on offense?

The most significant move the Knights made in the offseason was bringing in Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson. The fifthyear quarterback gives UCF an experienced signal-caller whose physical attributes (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) figure to be an asset in a run-heavy Big 12.

“He’s played a lot of football and meaningful games,” said new offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. “Sometimes, as a coaching staff, when you get a new quarterback, you have got to worry about jitteriness. But you see a confident guy out there.”

Jefferson has meshed well with the offense, which already featured returning starters in tailback RJ Harvey and receiver Kobe Hudson.

Harvey isn’t resting on his laurels after rushing for 1,416 yards last season. The fifthyear senior has transformed his body and has looked impressive throughout spring camp. Johnny

Richardson, Myles Montgomery and Kam Ingram are perfect complementary pieces around Harvey.

Hudson fills the No. 1 receiver role vacated by Javon Baker. While he hasn’t been able to participate much, his absence has helped the growth of Xavier Townsend, Trent Whittemore, Jarrad Baker, Chauncey Magwood, Tyree Patterson and Stephen Martin.

Will defense show improvement?

New defensive coordinator Ted Roof was hired to help bring life to UCF’s embattled run defense.

There is nowhere to go but up after the Knights finished last in the Big 12 in run defense, and the veteran coach has spent much of camp stressing physicality and effort.

“You’ve got to be able to stop the run because if a team can run the football, you’re going to lose, and your football team is going to be demoralized,” said Roof.

Players have described the renewed physicality from the defensive front highlighted by the play of experienced players such as Ricky Barber, Matthew Alexander, John Walker, Malachi Lawrence, Kaven Call and Hunter, along with newcomers Daylan Dotson, Zavier Carter and Derrick LeBlanc.

The secondary returns defensive backs Brandon Adams, Nikai Martinez, Ja’Cari Henderson, Demari Henderson, Braeden Marshall, William Wells and Quadric Bullard. Its strengthened by the additions of Bryon Threats, Antione Jackson, Chasen Johnson and Christian Peterson.

But the real standouts this spring are the linebackers, led by newcomers Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace, Xe’ree Alexander, Jesiah Pierre and Ladarius Tennison.

“We have quality depth at linebacker and the physicality and everything that goes with it,” Malzahn said following last week’s scrimmage. “That group is standing out in a good way.”

Who are standouts to keep an eye on?

When asked who has made an impression, players have repeatedly mentioned freshmen receivers Bredell Richardson, Jordyn Bridgewater, Kason Stokes and tight end Kylan Fox.

“Bredell is super competitive, athletically mature and has the right mindset. He’s not backing down from competition,” said Harris.

Freshman offensive lineman Waltclaire Flynn has been working with the first and second teams, taking snaps at center.

Defensive backs Johnson and Peterson are freshmen who have shined.