Cushman’s dominant second year begins, bringing proven experience and elevated leadership to UCF's rebuilt offensive line under a new coach.
UCF offensive tackle Preston Cushman had a big impact for the Knights in his first season with the program. Cushman ended up carving out a role as UCF's starting right tackle, leading the trenches with 753 snaps and appearing in 12 games.
According to UCF Athletics, Cushman was the team's fourth-highest graded offensive lineman, posting a 63.1 grade according to Pro Football Focus.
At the Knights' most-recent Spring Practice, Cushman talked about getting acclimated at UCF while naming the similarities and differences to this year's process.
"Last year was a learning process and getting to know the guys, which is still the same thing this year with the transfer portal, but last year, I was just feeling out everyone from the coaches to the new guys to what the culture is around here," Cushman said. "So, getting in and playing helped a lot."
Cushman said although he found success last season, he feels so much more comfortable this year, knowing "the ins and outs" of the facilities and coaching staff, along with UCF's culture.
He will be the most experienced players on the offensive line for UCF, joining Connor Meadows as one of the lone returners.
Cushman credited UCF's new offensive line coach, AJ Blazek, for his work ethic and helping the offensive line continue to get better.
"[Its] limited time, but he has brought like more than most O-line coaches I've been around in my career. He has brought a lot of attention to detail and a lot of building the O-line together..." Cushman said. "I've really had a a great time being coached by him and I know he's going to get our whole group really, really good."
Cushman went on, emphasizing the impact that Blazek has had in limited time with the players.
"And I'm not just saying that for media and stuff. Like I really enjoy being around him and um like you'll do something wrong out on the practice field and he won't even get on your ass about that," Cushman said. "He'll get on your butt about like the leadership aspect side of things and how your body language is and how it affects the guys around you as an older guy."
Thus far, spring practice has been an early success for head coach Scott Frost and the Knights, as multiple different position groups and classes have expressed confidence that UCF will experience a bounce-back season.
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