Knights' receivers forge vital bonds with quarterbacks, honing deep-passing prowess and anticipation as they await a key transfer's return.
Although James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III has not participated in spring practice for precautionary reasons, wide receiver coach Sean Beckton is helping his position group build chemistry with the rest of the quarterbacks.
"I try to rotate those guys with the existing quarterbacks right now, so they get the feel of those guys," Beckton said. "But obviously, when he gets back out there, I'll make sure those guys really get comfortable with the ways he throws the ball and where he wants the ball."
Practicing reps with other quarterbacks could prove beneficial for UCF next season if the program has injury issues again. Both groups become familiar with where they want the ball and when to throw the ball.
The wide receivers and quarterbacks coordinate with each other even on off days.
"They're working at the top end of things," Beckton said. "We don't want those guys running, but they're working at the top end with the quarterbacks, and the quarterbacks are working on their drops and throwing it to them. So, that bond, that's one of the things I did when I played. I always stayed after I spent time with quarterbacks all the time."
Beckton played wide receiver for UCF almost 40 years ago, and he developed a bond with Darin Slack, who led the Knights to the Division II National Semifinals in 1987.
While helping his position group build chemistry with the rest of the quarterbacks as the Knights patiently wait for Barnett III to return, Beckton praised his players' skill sets.
Beckton said Monmouth transfer Josh Derry and Louisiana Monroe transfer Jonathan Bibbs can make plays downfield, and former four-star Tyren Hornes is a complete player.
He added that the new additions to the receiving corps give UCF a boost in the deep passing game, an area the team struggled in last season.
"The new guys give us that vertical threat down the field, but also being able to adjust to the 50/50 balls," Beckton said. "Those guys are making those. Last year, we didn't make those on a consistent basis."
As the Knights accumulate more practices throughout the spring, the wide receivers are building chemistry with the other quarterbacks, as they lie in wait for the return of Barnett III.
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