UCF's new quarterback brings proven winning experience and a versatile skillset, perfectly fitting the offensive scheme and promising an immediate impact.
For UCF, Alonza Barnett III provides more security at the quarterback position than the program has had in recent memory, stepping into a power four role after a standout career at James Madison University.
At the first week of spring practice, offensive coordinator Steve Cooper talked about how nice it is to have Barnett, saying he was the exact type of quarterback that fits the UCF offense.
"We recruited him for a reason. He he fits a certain blend of what we're trying to do and then he obviously he brings, you know, his own wealth of knowledge. He's played a lot of football and yeah, it's been really nice having him here, too," Barnett said. "Just a veteran guy and someone that's won at a high level. But no, he fits what we're looking to accomplish on offense... So, a lot of the things that we are trying to do or what we tried to do last year on offense, you know, Alonzo does that well and there's things that maybe we didn't have last season, he does well. So, yeah, it's a blend of both."
Last season, Barnett led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff, where they scored 34 points on an Oregon defense that shutout the Big 12 champion Texas Tech Red Raiders in the following round.
Barnett spearheaded the offensive charge, finishing with 273 yards passing, 45 yards rushing and three total touchdowns.
Cooper talked about Barnett's versatile skillset, while highlighting the attributes that stood out on tape.
"Winning, you know, that's that's that's a big one," Cooper said. "His accuracy on deep balls. His athleticism, his intelligence, obviously you can see that on film and then when you get to know him, you really find out, okay, this guy's for real in relationship to how he handles his business. I think the best way to explain who he is is he's a pro. And listen, he's still learning our system. He hasn't been here that long. So, you know, he's taking the install in just like all the other guys every single day. So, yeah. But, you know, I think those are the main things that pop, the obvious."
Barnett has received national endorsement as well, with CBS Sports recently releasing a list, ranking the ten best fits for transfer quarterbacks, with Barnett's commitment to UCF ranking ninth.
He instantly provides head coach Scott Frost with an experienced winner at the collegiate level, while fitting the archetype for Cooper's offense, projecting a big senior season for the former Duke.
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