Despite a strong JMU past, QB Alonza Barnett III is sidelined. Coach Frost explains his cautious approach to the transfer's minor injuries and return timeline.
UCF started spring practice a week and a half ago, but James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III has not taken a snap.
Barnett III has been held out of drills and media availability while he's rehabbing from minor injuries that coach Scott Frost does not want to push.
"He's doing a lot of rehabbing right now," Frost told reporters on Saturday. "He's throwing some, kind of on his own, mostly working with the trainers and then getting involved in meetings and on the field, kind of taking reps. He's getting a lot closer, and we're kind of being really cautious with him to make sure that he's 100% ready to go before we put him out there."
The JMU transfer's absence has fans and the media wondering what's wrong with Barnett III, but Frost said he isn't worried.
Barnett III is coming off a season where he led the Dukes to their first College Football Playoff appearance. He threw for 2,806 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions last year.
The No. 12-seeded James Madison ultimately lost to the No. 5-seeded Oregon Ducks, 51-34. A long college season plus first-time playoff intensity is one reason he is taking a cautious, slow approach with his new starting quarterback.
"I'm not concerned," Frost said. "He's played a lot of football, and he'll catch up really fast, but I don't think we're very far away from him being able to take part in it."
While Barnett III is rehabbing his minor injuries, the other quarterbacks — Florida International transfer Keyone Jenkins, Boise State transfer Kaleb Annett and the new freshmen, Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr — are making the most of their reps.
Each has connected with the wide receiver corps, including the Monmouth transfer Josh Derry and Louisiana Monroe transfer Jonathan Bibbs.
These four are competing for the backup and third-string positions in the quarterback depth chart. UCF dealt with injuries to the quarterback room last season, which prompted Frost to play most of his depth throughout the season.
Now, he's locked in his starter with Barnett III, who has playoff experience, but he's been sidelined. Frost said he's hopeful Barnett III can take reps next week and continue to progress throughout the rest of the spring.
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