After a stellar 2016
season under Scott Frost, the UCF Knights are ready for the spring football game at Spectrum Stadium.
It was a whirlwind 2016 UCF football season under new coach Scott Frost.
From the head-turning runs by freshman running back Adrian Killins (see Michigan and East Carolina games) to the ups and downs of rookie quarterback McKenzie Milton to the meteoric rise of linebacker Shaquem Griffin, fans saw a much improved product.
But UCF’s 31-13 loss to Arkansas State in the AutoNation Cure Bowl in December highlighted some of the team’s weaknesses in all three phases of the game as players worked to learn a new system.
The Knights have high hopes for the future after spending more time learning Frost’s playbook. They’ll show off their skills during UCF’s spring game at 6:30 p.m. today at Spectrum Stadium. The game, dubbed the UCFastival by the school, will feature a pregame concert starring former American Idol contestant Lauren Alaina. Tickets cost $5.
Check out the top five things to watch from the more experienced Knights during the spring game.
1. Who will fill out the cornerback spots?
The Knights have to replace their entire starting secondary this offseason, including NFL cornerback hopefuls Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings. Nevelle Clarke was set to fill one of those cornerback slots, but he will miss the first six game of the 2017 season due to a suspension and it was unclear entering spring practice who would replace him. One candidate could be rising sophomore and Seminole High alum Brandon Moore, who players raved about all spring.
2. How much has Milton grown at quarterback?
There are zero questions about Milton’s job security as UCF’s No. 1 quarterback heading into the summer. After all, he is the only returning signalcaller with significant game snaps. More than that, however, coaches and players said they’ve seen much growth from Milton as an on-field commander. Frost said Milton has improved his mechanics and footwork. The quarterback has been aided by the improvement of the offensive line, giving Milton more time to release the ball.
3. Who will be the backup inside linebackers?
Linebacker is another position hit hard by senior departures, but UCF returned a lot of talent. Pat Jasinski and Nate Evans represent the heart and soul for the linebackers group, directing traffic, and will likely be the starters this fall. Griffin and Titus Davis are expected to anchor the outside spots. But coaches will look to see who can step up to fill out the depth chart at inside linebacker.
4. Can Tre’Quan Smith be an All-American this season?
Offensive coordinator Troy Walters said Smith has been practicing at an elite level and has potential to be an All-American next season. That’s a tall order but one Smith is eager to fill. Every practice has featured at least one eye-popping catch by the former American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year. Other receivers to watch include: Cam Stewart, Tristan Reaves, Dredrick Snelson and Emmanuel Greene.
5. Is the offensive line more aggressive?
The transformation of UCF’s offensive line has been touted by coaches and players throughout spring practice. Senior tackle Aaron Evans and junior tackle Wyatt Miller stepped into their roles as more vocal leaders. Jordan Johnson gives the Knights a bigger body at center and coaches expect him to take on imposing nose guards the Knights will face during the 2017 season. But offensive line coach Greg Austin was looking for more than just extra weight and size. He wanted more of an edge out of his group and the line will be expected to show intensity during the spring game.