As NIL deals turn athletes into high-stakes investments, Scott Frost prioritizes long-term health over spring reps to shield UCF’s roster and financial future from unnecessary risk.
NIL has made the college sports environment more transactional, and coach Scott Frost is taking a more cautious approach toward his players' health because of UCF's investments in them.
Frost sat James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III out of spring practice for precautionary reasons. Barnett III is fresh off leading his former team to their first College Football Playoffs and dealt with minor, nagging injuries after the season.
UCF's new starting quarterback could've donned the Knights' practice gear and participated in the final spring sessions, but his coach kept his cautious approach and opted to continue resting him.
"We got to the point at the end of spring where he probably could have gone out there and done stuff," Frost said on Tuesday. "We're just taking a really cautious approach with it. I've watched him throw routes and throw to spots and do a lot of things that make me really confident about where he is, even with the understanding of our offense."
Barnett III told reporters that he took mental reps while sidelined, noting how the receivers broke out their routes and where they liked the ball thrown.
Although Frost could have let Barnett III take meaningful practice reps toward the end of spring, his approach highlights the new environment in college football: protecting player investments.
Frost said he hasn't seen the team healthy, as Bruno Dall, Horace Lockett and a few cornerbacks missed time due to injury. He said he's being smart with his players, not just looking out for their health, but UCF's financial investments in them, too.
"On top of everything else, there's a financial investment in those guys, too, now, and we have to make sure that we're being smart with that," Frost said.
The Knights had an active transfer portal, signing 31 new players. During the active portal, Frost and his coaching staff took players out to dinner and interviewed them to see if they were the right fit for UCF.
"We interview them to make sure they're right for us," Frost said. "They're taking a look at us to make sure we're right for them, and then the negotiation starts, and it either gets done, or it doesn't, and we fill a spot or move on to the next guy."
Frost and his coaching staff found the right players who are committed to helping UCF win games next season in pursuit of a winning season and bowl game invitation.
However, Frost is taking a cautious approach to his players' health, protecting them and the Knights' financial investments.
Join the Community. Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!