With starter Alonza Barnett III sidelined, a fierce four-way battle for the backup role intensifies. Freshmen push seasoned signal-callers as fall camp looms to determine the depth chart.
Following the conclusion of UCF's spring practices, head coach Scott Frost and QB coach McKenzie Milton were the final two members of the staff to talk to media, each expressing excitement about what they saw from their new group.
Alonza Barnett III, who is the Knights' presumed QB1 was held out of spring practice for precautionary measures for his lingering injuries.
However, Milton made it clear that Barnett was still involved in the team's day-to-day operations.
"I wouldn't say we didn't have him. He's at meetings every day, present every day, and fully immersed. His presence is felt. We're getting some extra throwing sessions on the side. He's a professional; he sees the game like a coach and has helped our young guys know what it looks like. I couldn't ask for a better guy to be the spearhead and lead our room."
Barnett has been the guy in UCF's QB room since joining the program this offseason, as the staff and players have constantly backed him for the starting role.
But, as far as the QB2 position goes, Milton says it is still up in the air.
"I see that going into the summer and fall camp. Every one of those guys has shown flashes, but the biggest thing I'm looking for is consistency. Keyone Jenkins, Kaleb Annett, Rocco Marriott, and Dante Carr have all done a really good job. It'll probably get decided in fall camp, but all those guys have made plays."
Marriott and Carr, the two freshmen, have impressed Milton, as he acknowledged their youthful mistakes, but says he's seen great potential.
"Both those guys have a desire to be great, both Dante and Rocco," Milton said. Physically they're what you want in terms of size, athleticism. But it's kind of what you expect from from freshman. They'll flash, they'll make plays, and then they'll make a boneheaded mistake. You know, the offense is different than when I played in it. It's a little more on the quarterback in terms of what we ask them to do, but those guys have gotten better every day, which is all I can ask. And you know, I think with both those guys, they got a bright future here."
Both Carr and Marriott should have a premier opportunity to learn behind Barnett, who has been a proven winner at the power four level.
For now, they will continue to battle with more experienced signal callers like Jenkins and Annett for depth chart positioning.
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