Scott Frost reveals the status of three core leaders as preparations intensify for a pivotal conference opener.
Injuries are piling up for key position leaders as the UCF Knights prepare to begin Big 12 play next week.
Coach Scott Frost updated the status of offensive lineman Owen Spell, linebacker Lewis Carter and wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. during his postgame press conference after last Saturday's win over the Georgia State Panthers.
Frost said Spell is dealing with plantar fasciitis, but reassured that he is fine, just not 100%. Spell is a valuable rotational lineman, playing in 12 games last season and starting twice at left tackle.
The offensive line has struggled to create a clean pocket in non-conference play. They often allowed quick pressure, which forced the quarterback to rush passes or extend plays with his legs.
Their protection needs to improve heading into Big 12 play as they face quicker, stronger and tougher defensive lines. Spell's injury limiting him is an ideal outcome rather than being ruled out for several games.
Carter went to the injury tent in the final moments of last Saturday's game for an apparent knee injury, but Frost said he is unaware of the severity.
The senior linebacker is the defense's captain, as he blossomed into that role last season. He led the team with 92 tackles, and still leads this season with 24.
Losing Carter could be a huge blow to the defense, but Tackett Curtis has proven himself a solid addition from January's transfer portal window. Curtis has 23 tackles and caught his first career interception against the Panthers, and the offense capitalized on it in their 44-30 victory.
Frost said Thomas is dealing with a "fairly significant hamstring" injury, which has sidelined star quarterback Alonza Barnett III for multiple weeks.
Thomas has missed the entirety of non-conference play, and he's given the wide receiver room another dynamic playmaker. He led the team with 528 yards last season, and Frost used him on various plays, like a jet sweep.
Waden Charles and Ric'Darious "Day Day" Farmer have led the receiving corps, combining for 167 yards and Charles has two touchdowns this season.
The Knights are 2-1 despite the injuries, and it's in large part due to the depth they built in January. Frost and his coordinators can substitute multiple players without interrupting the flow on offense and defense.
UCF begins Big 12 play against TCU at 3:30 p.m. next Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House, and aims to rewrite its 7-20 conference record.
