Knights' fresh faces like Marriott, Carr, and Hornes electrify spring camp, hinting at future gridiron dominance.
Coach Scott Frost added youth into his program with talented freshmen, who impressed wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr., linebacker Lewis Carter and himself at UCF's first spring practice on Friday.
The Knights have their starting quarterback in James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III. Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr are sitting behind him to acclimate themselves to the college football atmosphere.
Frost said he saw good things from his two freshmen, who had many reps on Tuesday, with Barnett III held out.
"I thought both young kids got plenty of reps today and did a pretty good job at times," Frost said. "There's going to be inconsistencies, but that's what you expect."
Inconsistencies from freshmen quarterbacks aren't surprising, but their high school careers highlight the potential they have to lead UCF in the future.
Marriott, coming from Platte County High School in Missouri, led his team to back-to-back undefeated seasons and back-to-back championships. He etched his name in the Missouri record books with over 10,000 career yards and over 160 career touchdowns.
The 6-foot-4 former four-star quarterback initially committed to JMU, but flipped his decision to become the Knights' highest-ranked quarterback commit.
Carr is similar to Marriott; he dominated the high school competition in Pennsylvania. He played for the Minersville Battlin' Miners and tallied over 9,000 total yards and over 130 career touchdowns.
The freshmen have a dual-threat aspect that Frost values heavily in his quarterbacks, especially with Barnett III possessing those same traits.
As for Thomas Jr, former four-star wide receiver Tyren Hornes is the freshman who impressed him the most.
"He's going to make a lot of plays, man," Thomas Jr. said. "He just came in, but he is a really good player. Really smart. Got to learn the system pretty quickly. So he's going to make a lot of plays this year to discuss some noise."
Hornes announced his commitment to UCF at the Under Armour All-American Game three months ago. He led Booker High School in Sarasota to a 12-2 record, totaling 802 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior year.
The Florida native showcased his rushing ability with 122 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries last season. Hornes' versatility is something Frost can utilize in multiple ways, similar to how he used Thomas Jr.
Carter noted linebacker Matthew Occhipinti is the freshman who impressed him during spring camp. Unlike Marriott, Carr and Hornes, Carter highlighted the freshman's courage shown in meetings.
"His mindset in the meetings," Lewis said. "Usually, freshmen don't like to talk that much in the meetings cuz D always tries to get on him. But he stands up to the challenge. He ain't scared to really step forward and show what he knows."
These compliments share insight into the Knights' bright future when the upperclassmen eventually depart. UCF is developing its young talent into leaders who can continue leading the program for the foreseeable future.
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