The dual-threat playmaker brings Playoff experience and elite leadership to Orlando, sparking NFL buzz as he prepares to lead Scott Frost’s high-powered offense toward another postseason run.
The addition of Alonza Barnett III has UCF coaches, players, and fans looking forward to the upcoming season and what he can provide to the Knights' offensive attack.
Throughout the offseason, Barnett has been praised for his ability on-and-off the field, with his leadership qualities shining through around the facility.
On Monday, he earned a preseason honor, being named to the Manning Award Watchlist.
This comes just days after Barnett was tagged as a candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award as well, which is given to the best quarterback in college football annually.
The Manning Award is similar, having been created to honor the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning.
Last season, it was Indiana's Fernando Mendoza who claimed the honor before being taken No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders months later.
For Barnett, who has some work to do to jump onto NFL teams' radars, earning this recognition is a good step in the right direction.
Last season, Barnett led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff, earning an at-large bid as one of two mid-major programs.
Despite having a tough first-round matchup against Oregon, Barnett shined, finishing with 273 yards passing, 45 yards rushing and three total touchdowns.
This statline is solid, but even more impressive when considering Oregon shut out the Big 12 Champion Texas Tech Red Raiders in the following round.
Barnett's ability to extend plays and spread the wealth fits head coach Scott Frost's scheme, giving the Knights' their most consistent QB play in many years.
With talented pass catchers like Josh Derry, Waden Charles, Duane Thomas Jr., and Dylan Wade at his disposal, Barnett has plenty of weapons to utilize on offense.
While most UCF fans would agree that earning bowl contention this season would be a step in the right direction, Barnett has much higher aspirations.
"That's addicting bro," Barnett said about the opportunity to play in the CFP. "It was crazy. Growing up, playing video games against Oregon, like De'Anthony Thomas, all the different flashy uniforms and all that stuff. It was loud from the first quarter through the fourth. Nobody left."
Barnett talked about the importance of ending his collegiate career on a high note, and working towards getting back to the postseason - this time with UCF.
The quarterback position has never been more valuable in today's landscape of college football, and the Knights have seemingly found their guy.
Getting Barnett acclimated to his receiving corps and synced in with Duke Watson and Landen Chambers in the backfield will determine how far the Knights' new QB can take them.
