McKenzie Milton prioritizes long-term health over spring reps for Alonza Barnett III, shielding the Knights' high-stakes transfer investment while a fierce battle for the backup role intensifies.
Alonza Barnett III is entering his first season with UCF as the most-promising transfer quarterback the Knights have had since KJ Jefferson.
Despite being held out of UCF's 15 Spring Practices, Barnett says he has still been working, just at a smaller capacity, as UCFRoundtable's Demetrius Montero reported earlier this week.
"It was just something we were taking a day at a time," Barnett said on Saturday. "And it just got to a point where it was like, for a while. I've still been throwing, I've still been running, still been lifting, getting engaged with the area, teammates and stuff like that. Just on a smaller scale."
On Sunday, QB coach McKenzie Milton outlined the coaching staff's cautious approach with Barnett, wanting to keep him healthy and not re-aggravate his lingering injuries.
"I won't get into specifics on what's going on with him, but he's really close to being full go. Your best ability is availability. We've always been a closed-vest operation with injuries—I was dealing with things as a player that you guys never knew about. We have to protect our investment," Milton said. "He's going to be our dude going into the season. The goal is to win a championship in the fall, and that doesn't happen in spring ball."
Despite missing these practices, Milton says that Barnett has remained engaged and 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."
While Barnett has established himself as the QB1 going into the season, his backup role is highly contested, as Milton articulated.
"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."
No matter who gets the job, Milton says he has delivered a clear and concise message to his room.
"I tell my guys: if you don't have the desire to be the starter here and compete at the highest level in the NFL, you shouldn't be playing this position."
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