The Daily Knight: A UCF Podcast: Recent Episodes
Blue Wire
How can one fairly and objectively produce a grade for what John Rhys Plumlee has produced through the first seven games of the 2022 season? He's been up and down several times, making this a unique analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Closer look at top 2025 running back prospect Taevion Swint from Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola.
This young man is already one of the top RB prospects from the Sunshine State, and he's garnering offers because of his skills. That's why UCF and a host of other programs are already puruing him heavily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida
https://www.si.com/college/ucf/
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UCF needs to close the 2023 recruiting class with a bang. Can they sign a few more impact recruits?
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If the answer is yes, those same recruits can help the Knights make a splash in 2023 while also in the Big XII.
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That would be a windfall for also helping to attract top class of 2024 prospects. Recruits want to play early. Seeing is believing, and the Big XII media machine will make that much easier to see it come to fruition.
*So, how many more top recruits sign with the Knights? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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https://www.si.com/college/ucf/
1) How motivated will the Knights be prior to play FAU? It's not a given that the Knights are dialed in after losing to the Cardinals this past Friday.
2) The health status of WR Ryan O'Keefe. UCF uses O'keefe in many ways. He needs to be a major part of the offense, but what if he has to sit out? That means O'Keefe and Amari Johnson are out. Plus, not sure about Kobe Hudson until it is clarified if he's going to play against FAU.
3) Defending the run has been up and down for the Knights. Even taking out the runs that Malik Cunningham created, there's been some run fits missed by UCF defenders against traditional inside zone and outside zone. FAU has a talented running back that is discussed in this podcast, and the Knights had better be ready for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida Which teams will challenge the Knights on the recruiting trail once they are in the Big XII? Oklahoma and Texas are soon to leave for the SEC, but there are still teams like Baylor, Houston (sleeping giant), Cincinnati, Texas Tech, and Iowa State that all provide reasons to believe they will be formidable recruiting staffs. Some of the programs that are at the top of the list, might surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida
The UCF offensive line is the backbone of the 2022 offense. All five of the projected starters will be in at least their fourth year of college football. A few key areas discussed today: 1) A tremendous running game. 2) Being able to run and pass because of the OL. 3) The value of an experienced group. 4) What UCF's OL must do to take the next step. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida From the four teams joining the Big XII -- BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF -- which team cashes in and wins the conference title first? There are advantages to each of the four teams, as well as pitfalls. Here are points to ponder for each of the four schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Big XII, here come the Knights!
This podcast specifically dives into the discussion of UCF's Big XII schedulign situations, such as:
Will there be divisions? Pods? Conference Championship Game? **How many regular season Big XII games will there be?
There are a few other intirguing questions to be answered as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF Football player Terrence Lewis has been accused of domestic violence. What will happen with Lewis, how the perception will be for UCF Football, and what UCF's next options are at linebacker are discussed in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida & @Dussttin
What's going on with Florida State recruiting and this year's team? Dustin Lewis knows FSU very well. He's a member of the NoleGameday site on FanNation powered by Sports Illustrated. Recruiting - Lewis really like Parsons, the committed FSU QB. He's also high on several other 'Noles recruits. Watch out for big "Q" along the OL. He has a chance to be very good. As for the team, it's quite interesting. Dustin talks about some of the 'Noles struggles and some of the up and coming players. Some of the positions discussed: OL - It's a pivotal year for FSU. With more Transfer Portal players, will the Seminoles finally turn the corner along the OL? QB - What happens if there's an injury to Jordan Travis? That might be the biggest concern for Florida State. RB - Not necessarily a ton of depth, but some good athletes. Does any one player take the lead role? WR - Mediocre recruiting might cause some issues this season. The 'Noles might not be able to overcome multiple injuries. *DL - This might be the biggest strength for FSU. Size and speed is available for FSU. LB - Much like RB, not a ton of depth. There is some promise from a certain FR linebacker, however. DB - Definitely talent in the back end of the defense, especially safety. A couple of freshman might need to play serious minutes at cornerback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Note: Storm knocked out the internet at the end of this podcast. It will not end in a normal fashion.
@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly
NIL and Cheating -- Which school(s) are going to get busted for offering NIL money (or flat out pay for play) to college football players on teams other than their own?
By now, people have likely heard about USC trying to lure players not yet in the Transfer Portal to not only get in the portal, but transfer to their school. That's blatant cheating.
When and how will the NCAA react? It's been a pathetic entity for a long time, but this takes the cake. Further, which people in the NCAA are getting their pockets lined? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida In a dual podcast situation, I interviewed the following recruit for the FGA report (check it out on YouTube), which covers HS Football in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. This young man is one of UCF's top prospects so I wanted to introduce him to the UCF fans as best I could. One of the top 2023 recruits in Georgia is Terry Simmons, Jr. from Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School. The 6'1", 295-pound defensive lineman is a versatile player that moves all along the defensive front to find mismatches that benefit Calvary Day. Here are some of the topics discussed in the podcast with Simmons. Areas to improve. Area he's most efficient. Players for Calvary Day School that are really good and being recruited. Which schools that Simmons already set up an official visit (there are 3). What motivates Simmons to be a better player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Talking about why the spring evaluation period is vital to UCF Football and its recruiting efforts. UCF is unlike the vast majority of schools because it gains so many players from the Transfer Portal. That's why recruiting is different. The numbers change. The relationships also change. This podcast discusses the balancing act of all the things that UCF has to do to make sure it maximizes its recruiting efforts during this very important time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida Discussing the talents of UCF QB commitment Dylan Ryzk from Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale. Passer first, but mobile. Creative in how he buys time to make a throw. Has a unique way of changing arm angles to make a throw or simply avoid a pass rusher. He just finds a way. Already about 200-pounds, Ryzk is a player that has the ability to get bigger and stronger. *Good arm strength. Full profile on Ryzk will be up at Inside The Knights on Friday, April 22. https://www.si.com/college/ucf/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF lost Jaylon Robinson to the Transfer Portal. What the Knights can do and which players can make a name for themselves with his departure. Watch out for several skill players playing multiple roles, as well as Amari Johnson having a really good opportunity to move into a prominent role with the Knights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly LB depth is quite precarious for the Knights. Will UCF be able to find enough pieces to play a traditional defense? Here are a few points to ponder: Which safeties play the Knight position (hybrid LB-S) at least part time? When will Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste come off the field? As for recruiting, how many prospects need to be signed in addition to current commitment Troy Ford, Jr.? UCF is after the Harris twins from Lake Brantley High School right outside Orlando. Dee Crayton from Denmark HS (just north of Atlanta) is a prime target; he can play middle linebacker or weak side linebacker. *Jalen Smith is a speedy linebacker from just east of Atlanta at Grayson High School. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida & @RealNews102 After the spring game, there are specific players and positions that stood out. There are also situations that need to be rectified. Here are the primary points discussed in the podcast: QB Play. Depth and talent at RB. The variety of ways that the WRS can help the Knights. DL is increasing its playmaking ability. LB Questions remain. Many options in the secondary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida Talented prospects from the classes of 2023, 2024 and more ascended on the UCF campus to check out the spring game. It produced a big-time commitment from Isaiah Nixon and several other talented players are also now more familiar with the UCF program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly Discussing many of the the top recruits that will be attending the UCF Spring Game. UCF is doing a tremendous job of bringing in not only top Florida prospects but also good players from Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida & @RealNews102 There are many questions about this year's UCF Spring Game. Which QB shines? Does Jaylon Griffin or Kobe Hudson seize the WR position that's open? Which of the linebackers steps up? With two very talented defensive tackles, how well do the defensive ends play to complement them? *The Knights possess plenty of talent in the secondary, but who plays where? This podcast dives into some of the issues that need to be talked about prior to the Knights every hitting the field at the Bounce House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly While UCF's tight end history is not incredible, there looks to be a major uptick at the position. The Knights have Alec Holler coming back and added Kemore Gamble to the position after he transferred in from the University of Florida. Gamble is the type of athlete that can stretch the field and possesses the ability to be an in-line blocker as well. Adding freshman Grant Stevens as the potential No. 3 tight end further adds talent and depth to the position. Additionally, there are some talented prospects that UCF continues to recruit like Jayvontay Conner from North Carolina and Randy Pittman from Florida. Both of those 2023 prospects would be huge additions to the UCF roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The UCF Football team needs to add offensive tackles to the roster, and preferably from the high school ranks. After signing only a few offensive tackles the past few recruiting classes, signing at least two for the class of 2023 is a major need. Additionally, UCF needs offensive line numbers. Whether it's OT or OG or even C, the Knights need big bodies moving forward. The current depth chart is loaded with juniors, seniors, 5th-year seniors and even one 6th-year senior. There's going to be plenty of turnover and the UCF roster needs quality help stepping in prior to moving on to the Big XII. Projection: sign at least three high school offensive lineman, as well one or two players from the Transfer Portal, and UCF can be back on track. There even some nuances to that with recruiting high school players though, so that's to be determined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida and @UCF_FanNation
Chemistry: Do the players truly work for and with one another? This is especially true of the new players via the Transfer Portal and the freshmen that enrolled early. Do they go out of their way to make the extra block for Isaiah Bowser? Do they run a route hard even if the football is not likely coming their way? Does the offensive line show the ability to mesh together and be a cohesive unit despite two transfers coming into the program? On defense, same deal. How well do they blend their talents together? Especially in the secondary, this needs to be a common theme because there's talent, depth and experience. QB Play: Will it be John Rhys Plumlee or Mikey Keene? Keep in mind, Plumlee is the far superior runner. Therefore, logic dictates that Keene needs to be the far superior passer. Which signal caller throws the pigskin the best? Which one controls the offense via the pass and the run. The latter would be Plumlee's advantage, but will it? He needs to pass well for his running abilities to truly show themselves because that will lead to fewer defenders near the line of scrimmage. Boundary WR: The redshirt junior, Jaylon Griffin, from Huntsville, Texas has the size at 6'3", 185-pounds. Can he use it along with his natural athleticism to break through and be the starter at the boundary wide receiver position? There's been some buzz about this young man. He only caught one pass for 14 yards last season, but he's allegedly really coming on. If he's able to at least rotate with Auburn transfer Kobe Hudson, that would be a good one-two punch for the Knights. The Surprise Player: Every spring game, regardless of school, seemingly has that surprise player. Who's it going to be for the Knights? It could be an offensive lineman, a linebacker, or perhaps someone in the secondary. Maybe it's more than one player that plays well and surprises. That's what spring ball is all about! Finding out who's ready to play no matter the original expectations! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For more recruiting insights: @fbscout_florida and @Marchen44 Three areas of this podcast rolled into one. This podcast detailed top talent from the DR Sportz tournament in Dallas, plus talked about the different types of players in the state of Texas and Florida, and then placed both categories into a Big 12 perspective with schools like UCF joining the league and starting to actively recruit Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida UCF Football's quarterback battle is fascinating on many levels. Can you name at least five situations that are impacted by the quarterback play as it specifically relates to UCF in 2022? Here are a few to consider... Leadership - who do the other members of the team truly respect. Continuity - which QB develops the best relationships with his pass catchers? Who's able to adapt to the other players coming to the UCF offense from the Transfer Portal? Which QB does well during this next summer when the coaches are not around? Who's able to operate Gus Malzahn's offense the best? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida @Marchen44 @RealNews102 Along with a podcast at the bottom of the article from yours truly and the following two scouts, here are several more evaluations from this past weekend’s DR Sportz tournament in Plant City. There were several top performers, as well as some under the radar prospects highlighted by Marc and Andrew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
@fbscout_florida @ucf_weekly @RealNews102 Along with Inside The Knights contributors Stephen Leonard and Andrew Johnson, we go through a run down of top recruits that have visited in recent weeks. Some of the prospects include: Jaremiah Anglin, Jr. John Walker Derrick LeBlanc Ricky Lee III Zachary Tobe Barry Jackson, Jr. Dee Crayton Randy Pittman Santana Fleming Overall, UCF has done a tremendous job of bringing in top recruits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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After Co-DC Travis Williams, Josh Celiscar and Johnny Richardson spoke with the media today, there were some interesting talking points. UCF's defensive front seven has a chance to be special. A major reason why would be nose guard Lee Hunter, as pointed out by coach Williams. Josh Celiscar talked about leadership and the standard of play for himself and others on defense. KD McDaniel's role will be more expansive than originally believed. Adding McDaniel just makes players like Celiscar and Tre'mon Morris-Brash that much more exciting and impactful. The depth of the overall front seven may not be perfect, but there simply are so many talented front seven players in the starting lineup that UCF's front seven should be the best in the AAC this year. *Then there's Richardson, who really went into detail about what he needs to do to improve as a running back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF Football added the commitment of linebacker Troy Ford, Jr. After seeing Ford play live earlier this spring and then seeing him at his commitment press conference, there's much to discuss about his overall skills. The Knights' top QB target, Malachi Singleton, also came for an unofficial visit. Along with Andrew Johnson, we break down Singleton's strengths and how he could potentially be the UCF signal caller in a few years. Finally, Talking about the vast number of unofficial visits that have taken place to date, with Cam Newton's 7v7 team coming to the UCF campus recently. It was a high number of top-rated prospects. That's becoming a trend for Head Coach Gus Malzahn and the Knights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tampa is a loaded area for recruits. UCF and just about every other major program recruit this area hard. Two of the best prospects from Tampa would be cousins Booker Pickett (2024) and DJ Pickett (2025). They talk about recruiting thus far, and what they need to work on as they progress through the recruiting process. This podcast is an extension of the FGA Report, which covers Florida, Georgia and Alabama prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For UCF to improve on last season's offensive numbers, a big area of improvement needs to be third down. It was a major problem in two of the for games that UCF came up short. Along with Andrew Johnson, we discuss how the offense had struggles, and why. Additionally, what can be done to improve. @fbscout_florida @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How do UCF fans feel about the 2022 season? Tony Cummings joins the show to discuss his thoughts about the Knights as a UCF fan and what to expect from the offensive line, offensive skill players, defensive front seven and secondary. @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF's incoming freshman walk-on QB, Davin Wydner, just earned a NIL deal. That's pretty amazing considering he's never played a down for the Knights. It's important to understand just how broad NIL has already become, and what's coming next. That's what's discussed in this short podcast. How UCF can help its athletes by being pro-active with NIL. The Knights are off to a fast start, but more will be needed down the line. @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What destinations should UCF fans look forward to seeing once the Knights officially join the Big XII? Is it Baylor, TCU, or perhaps a unique place like Iowa State (see podcast for details). Of course there's BYU, located in beautiful Provo, Utah. Many people want to visit there. Then there are people that would enjoy a trek to Morgantown, W.V. to see the raucous fans that support the Mountaineers. Who do you have and why? Stephen, Andrew and myself break down our thoughts about the adventures to the land of the Big XII, as well as some insight about how UCF recruiting will change within this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Which players and position groups are the most important to sort out during UCF's 2022 spring practice? Some of the positions and topics discussed: LB Depth. Developing a dominant secondary with so much talent returning. Which QB(s) make an impact and/or start? OL chemistry. Improving the kicking game and the special teams overall. The roles for DT Lee Hunter and DE Tre'mon Morris-Brash. @fbscout_florida & @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taking a closer look at some of the Atlanta Under Armour Combine recruits that UCF would like to get on campus for visits and eventually sign. There were a plethora of top prospects in Atlanta the Knights truly like. A few names to know moving forward: Jeremiah Cobb, Running Back Malachi Singleton, Quarterback Jelani Thurmon, Flex Tight End Keyon Brown, Wide Receiver Davion Dozier, Wide Receiver Stanton Ramil, Offensive Line Wilkin Formby, Offensive Line @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What can the Big XII members do to improve their position with the College Football Playoff Committee, plus the advertisers and TV companies that cover the games? That's a very important question, and here are the categories that will matter, during the next couple of years, to help the Big XII improve its brand across the board: 1) Facilities -- Spend like the SEC. Want to beat them? Then meet and/or surpass what they are doing with the facilities. 2) Make home games exciting for everyone, but especially put on a show for the powers that be that will help shape the next Playoff structure that begins in 2026. 3) Media - work with the media, in every single market, to provide additional assistance in promoting the Big XII brand. Be creative. Very creative! Talk about the budding rivalries that can happen between BYU and Baylor, UCF versus TCU, Houston versus Texas Tech, Oklahoma State versus Cincinnati, etc. Additionally, go in depth about the culture of the schools, the cities in which they reside, and the personalities that run these football programs. There are a world of possibilities. 4) Conference media pages on Twitter, Facebook, etc. need to improve their performance to help promote the Big XII. This is subjective, yet very important. Perception is reality! 5) The Big XII needs a top-notch defensive player to emerge that's discussed by the talking heads on television. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will the Knights be able to finish out their AAC affiliation with a really good football season? 10 wins even? The 2022 schedule is intriguing:
H - South Carolina State H - Louisville A - Florida Atlantic H - Georgia Tech H - SMU H - Temple A - East Carolina H - Cincinnati A - Memphis A - Tulane H - Navy A - USF
The top competition would be Louisville. After that, it’s really difficult to place some of the teams in a specific category. Within the podcast, Stephen and I discuss the bottom four, middle four, and top four teams on the UCF schedule.
It’s an interesting mix of games, and of course the War on I-4 concludes the season and the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How well has UCF done with recruiting the top talent from the Transfer Portal today, and what should UCF do down the line? The Knights have landed 9 top transfers for 2022, but after building the roster up, how many transfers should UCF sign in the coming years as compared to the HS prospects? This podcast breaks down what the UCF coaching staff did so far, as well as projects the Transfer Portal recruiting in the future. @fbscout_florida @ucf_weekly @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What is a high school football combine? Here's a look at a few of the basic drills, why they are important for high schools and colleges, what they mean in recruiting, with some extra information about IMG Football mixed into the equation. @fbscout_florida @UCF_FanNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Which conference gives in? Will it be the Pac 12, Big XII, Big 10, ACC or SEC? What about the non-Power Five Conferences like the Sunbelt and the AAC? Do they hold any power with the supposed College Football Playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Well, look at the mess down at Auburn. Brian Harsin is about to be fired by a bunch of people that simply cannot think straight. It's sad. Auburn should have kept Coach Malzahn. Too late. He's now at UCF. The future of college football should be considered with what's going on at Auburn. No matter the team one roots for, that person should watch the Auburn dumpster fire closely. Be careful for what you wish for or it might be your school that's being laughed at. @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
All three of us that watched and scouted this past weekend -- Andrew, Stephen and myself -- break down the top talent one by one at the DRSportz 7v7 tournament in Davenport, Fla. There was so much going on it was hard to keep track of all the great plays and great players.
From teams like Tight Action with Kam Davis to teams with less fanfare like BullyMax Elite and DeAndre Buchannon who's starting to gain attention from college coaches, there's much to discuss with recruiting for UCF and several other schools that will want to recruit this group of young men.
@fbscout_florida @ucf_weekly @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
While UCF's 2022 recruiting class is done, Miami and Florida had important recruiting class needs to fill. Both programs added important prospects to their classes. Some questions discussed in the podcast: How did Billy Napier do at quarterback? Did the Gators fill needs along the OL and DL? Why did Miami land Matthew McCoy over Florida? What happened with TreVonte' Citizen? Do today's events help Florida and Miami take a step forward? Will their be fierce recruiting battles between Florida, Miami and UCF? All of that and more during The Daily Knight podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The end of the 2022 recruiting cycle is here. On Wednesday, UCF's 2022 recruiting class will come to a close. Along with co-host Andrew Johnson, breaking down the UCF recruiting class is the main objective. Who are the best prospects that already signed with UCF? Which players make an impact and why? Where does UCF need more depth? What happens with Leyton Nelson? Davin Wydner, does he end up at UCF? How does this 2022 class set up UCF for success with the 2023 class? The Daily Knight podcast answers those questions to help put a close on the 2022 recruiting efforts and preview 2023 as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are the Knights going to land any more high school prospects? Will Coach Malzahn hold a National Signing Day press conference? What's to be made of the recent additions via the Transfer Portal? Those questions and more are answered inside this podcast, with room for some outside the box possibilities. Remember, there are no definite answers in recruiting until they sign on the dotted line. Additional note: doing a recruiting mailbag for Wednesday evening. Send a message on Twitter: @UCF_FanNation or leave a message here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Louisville's offense should be pretty good in 2022. The defense, however, has question marks after losing key personnel. Brian Smith and Andrew Johnson break it down on The Daily Knight podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Which potential UCF recruits can help bring in other top prospects with them to UCF? Learn all about it right here in this podcast! @UCF_FanNation @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Sep. 10 matchup with Louisville will be huge for UCF Football. The Cardinals return Malik Cunningham at quarterback, one of the most dynamic passers and runners in the country. There are also really good skill position players for Louisville like running back Jalen Mitchell, tight end Marshon Ford, and wide receivers Tyler Harrell and Jordan Watkins. If UCF can fend off this talented team in the early portion of the season, it will be big for the Knights. Media exposure, recruiting hype, more fans coming out to the Bounce House, and the UCF Football brand will expand. This is a great opportunity for the Knights to make it happen. The Daily Knight podcast breaks it all down from Cunningham to Watkins and how the Knights have so much to gain by getting the "W" in this game. Here are a few key notes about Louisville before delving into the specifics of Louisville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Along with co-host Andrew Johnson, we break down the reasons for UCF still playing USF after joining the Big XII, as well as go in-depth regarding the stumbling blocks. Tradition, recruiting, and having a rivalry game are pluses, but there are concerns regarding the number of Big XII conference games being 10 instead of nine, in which it could hinder UCF scheduling USF. There's also the situation with paying the bills, and if a team like Oklahoma, Ohio State, or Notre Dame wants to come down to the Bounce House, UCF will be accepting that over USF. Mark that down. @UCF_FanNation @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing the incredible 4 touchdown game that Bills wide receiver Gabriel Davis produced against the Kansas City Chiefs. The former UCF Knight is a budding NFL superstar, and his talents will also help the UCF Football program's recruiting efforts. UCF has a big recruiting weekend coming up on Jan. 29, and one can be assured that the 4 touchdown effort of Davis will be mentioned to prospects that come to the UCF campus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Which UCF cornerbacks and safeties step up and/or start in 2022? There's a plethora of talent returning to UCF like Davonte Brown, Corey Thornton, and Divaad Wilson just to name three players. Additionally, there's some transfer news that's shared at the end of the podcast. It's crazy with the transfer portal, and UCF is definitely hitting it hard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF Recruiting Talking Points: 1) From multiple angles, how the Transfer Portal Impact is for UCF as compared to Florida State and USF. It's complicated, but very important. 2) Finishing out the HS recruiting class, which the second National Signing Day is Feb. 2. 3) That same National Signing Day is also for JUCO and community college players. 4) UCF could announce transfers in February as well. 5) Hometown Hero event on Jan. 29 and how it is vital that UCF do well. 6) Utilizing the players from the Transfer Portal this fall to help show class of 2023 recruits what they can do. Further, that will help the Knights sign more high school recruits overall and rely less on the Transfer Portal. 7) Talking about what's going on with UF recruiting and how that helps the UCF recruiting efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who will UCF Football's 2022 starting quarterback be? Will now sophomore Mikey Keene remain the main man behind center, or will any one of Parker Navarro, John Rhys Plumlee, Joey Gatewood, or Thomas Castellanos take the reins and be the Knights' top signal caller? Additional questions: 1) Will UCF have a package for a player like Rhys Plumlee or Castellanos or Navarro? 2) Does UCF rotate quarterbacks during games for entire drives? 3) With a more run-first quarterback like Rhys Plumlee in the lineup, does UCF become much predictable as an offense? 4) Which quarterbacks decide to transfer after seeing they are third or even fourth string after spring practice concludes? 5) Can the new quarterbacks develop a rhythm with the talented receivers like Jaylon Robinson and Ryan O'Keefe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF is making the most of the Transfer Portal, despite what some companies so called rankings may suggest. 1) Talent over numbers. 2) Filling needs. 3) Landing "The Guy" in Terrence Lewis at linebacker. 4) Room to grow the roster as needed later this spring when more players enter the Transfer Portal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Do you know how many coaches on the UCF Football staff have connections to the state of Alabama? How about five assistants plus Coach Malzahn. Not to mention, the administrative and recruiting staff having connections as well. The Yellowhammer State is a fertile recruiting ground that UCF will break into and improve its overall depth chart and roster. This podcast goes into detail as to why that will help the Knights improve the Football program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Four areas of the Transfer Portal recruiting and how UCF is navigating them are discussed: 1) Recruit your own players on the roster to make sure they do not enter the Transfer Portal (very important). 2) Do not just take a player from the Transfer Portal to get a body. 3) The Transfer Portal should help balance the roster, not make up the roster. 4) To that last point, make sure players can make an impact because a program could use that scholarship on a HS player that could be developed all four years to fit the schemes UCF operates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
There's a lot to like about what returns to UCF at wide receiver in 2022. Jaylon Robinson and Ryan O'Keefe lead the way, and they combined for 1,134 yards and nine touchdowns despite Robinson missing more than half the season with a knee injury. Finding a boundary receiver is a priority. Look out for incoming freshman Tyler Griffin from Georgia. He is a long and athletic player that can help at that boundary spot. At linebacker, Terrence Lewis is a big addition via the Transfer Portal. Now the key is finding depth. The Knights are quite thin at the position, and that is discussed thoroughly during the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Along with Inside The Knights writer Andrew Johnson, here's a look at UCF's incredibly deep RB depth chart, as well as the talented and experienced group of offensive linemen that will be coming back to play for the UCF Knights Football team in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF Football has a great player coming back that knows how to train, he is motivated to reach the NFL, and he's a player that is a leader. He's going to be a major addition to the UCF offense next season, and of course that player is Isaiah Bowser. Here's a closer look at how Bowser, as well as a few key transfers (spoiler alert) will be a focal point of next season's offense in Orlando. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF’s current 2022 recruiting class plus Transfer Portal additions bring many positives to the program. Could it compete in the Big XII with this level of recruiting? It depends on one’s perspective, but the signs point to yes. The level of speed that UCF brough in, especially at wide receiver and defensive back, will help bridge the gap between its current status as a Group of Five school and a Power Five conference member. Now, make no mistake, the class of 2022 needs to be the norm and not the exception for the Knights to make the leap into the Big XII. With that in mind, here is a really valuable recruiting comparison at defensive back to ponder prior to a podcast further defining what UCF has going for it along the recruiting trail. The UCF Football program signed Ja’Cari and Demari Henerson, as well as Nikai Martinez. All three players were recruited by multiple SEC and ACC schools. Florida, Miami, South Carolina, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Louisville and North Carolina State were all involved with the Henderson twins and/or Martinez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will UCF be able to find the big-time defensive tackle from the Transfer Portal to help the Knights take the next step defensively in 2022? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gaining steam in college football was, is, and will be a process. Building a program is not easy or fast either. As Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn likes to say, “As we build this thing…” Coach Malzahn will mention little aspects of the team after that comment. Something about the quarterback play, or a defensive back creating a turnover, or Isaiah Bowser’s ability to pick up a big first down. The Knights are indeed a program on the rise but there are several steps that need to take place for the program to move forward, and today is a closer look at 2022 and what it can bring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can the UCF secondary man up and play the Florida wide receivers on an island? If not, it's going to be very difficult to contain Florida's talented running back Dameon Pierce and quarterback Emory Jones in the running game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Talking about what needs to happen for Mikey Keene to be successful, getting Isaiah Bowser back in the swing of the offense, how to stay patient to set up play-action and trick plays, as well as looking for opportunities to create chunk-yardage plays in general (play calling). A few points to ponder: Keene - Ready to step up his play? Bowser - Time to carry the ball 25 times. Robinson - Is he playing in this game? If not, that's a big loss for UCF. UF D - How motivated are the Gators? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF did a fantastic job of signing highly talented players that fit the offense. To say that UCF did a good job of recruiting skill position talent would be a vast understatement. Speed, quickness, power, and versatility were all mixed together with the following six recruits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF Defensive End Commitment Jamaal Johnson talks about his connection to the UCF coaching staff and why he's fired up to join Knights Nation with Inside The Knights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
All Gators Publisher Zach Goodall joins the podcast to discuss several topics about the Florida Gators Football program including: The coaching change from Dan Mullen to Billy Napier. How Coach Napier is requiring workout videos for committed prospects. The current Florida recruiting class. What happened with former commitment Jayden Gibson. Prospects that might still sign with the Gators like Azareyeh Thomas and Jamarrien Burt. Coach Napier's efforts to bring in a top-notch assistant coaching staff. The opt-outs and players that will or will not be playing for the Gators against UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl. How motivated Florida will be to play against UCF in a bowl game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
One of UCF’s prized 2022 recruiting commitments would be Thomas Castellanos. The dual-threat signal caller can wow a crowd with his feet or his arm. He’s one of the most versatile football players in the country and the Knights are fortunate to be signing him this Wednesday, Dec. 15, to a National Letter of Intent. To that end, UCF had to battle hard to get Castellanos. Overtures from numerous programs from Louisville, South Carolina, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and many others wanted him, but not all at the same position. That’s where the story really becomes intriguing. Take a listen to what Castellanos had to say about all the aspects of recruiting and what went on to land him at UCF. It's a great story and one that needs to be shared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marvin Frazier is an assistant coach with Lakeland (Fla.) High School, and he spearheads the recruitment of the Dreadnaughts' top prospects. Two of those players, Miguel Maldonado and Keahnist Thompson, are committed to UCF. Coach Frazier discusses those two players and their talents with Inside The Knights. Additionally, Coach Frazier discussed the loaded underclassmen group for Lakeland High School, including but not limited to 2023 wide receiver prospect Tyler Williams and 2024 running back prospect D'marius Rucker. The final topic of discussion would be the Transfer Portal and how it's here to stay, and that high school athletes have to be versatile to compete with college transfers for college scholarships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing the recruiting process with Caden Kitler, a UCF offensive line commitment from Plano (Texas) John Paul II. Kitler is the lone prospect that is currently committed to UCF from the state of Texas. He's expected to contribute early to the Knights as a center, one of the most important positions on the field. Kitler described his upbringing as a hockey player and how he transitioned into football, his relationship with UCF Offensive Line Coach Herb Hand, his best attributes, and the areas he needs to improve upon. Overall, UCF fans will be getting to know one of the future starters along the Knights' offensive line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Football recruiting in Atlanta is big-time, and Creekside High School Defensive Back Coach Delontae Amey knows Atlanta as well as anyone in the area. He discussed his background in Atlanta, coaching in college and high school, competing against top players like Eric Berry, and all the talent that's currently in Atlanta such as Travis Hunter. He also provided his take on the Transfer Portal and what it means to high school and college players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As part of the SI network and working with different publishers that cover a variety of schools around the country, decided to bring on Volunteer Country publisher Matt Ray. He talked about all the different aspects of what's going on with Tennessee's recruiting class, and how the Vols are finishing up the 2022 recruiting stretch with a strong push. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
One of the top offensive line trainers and football coaches in the state of Florida agreed to come on the show. This is Ray McNeil, a former Fort Valley State player, as well as an Arena League player. McNeil works for Trench Academy in Tampa, and he's training high school and college players each and every day. He gave his thoughts about how Trench Academy works, his time coaching for Tampa Carrollwood Day School, one of the best up and coming programs in the Sunshine State, as well as the transfer portal and recruiting. It's honestly one of the more interesting interviews about today's football topics that anyone could listen to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With players like Florida's Jacob Copeland opting out of the Gasparilla Bowl against UCF, and Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux opting out of the Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma, there's much uncertainty about the bowl matchups, as well as how bowl committees operate their situations moving forward. What other players will jump ship and head for the NFL? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Throughout the Panhandle of north Florida and even into the southern area of Alabama and Georgia, college coaches are missing out on top players they could be recruiting. Here's a look at prospects from Pensacola some schools may not be recruiting but should be. @C3Elite7v7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Three very talented UCF recruits will be headed to play for the Knights from the same high school, Seminole in nearby Sanford, Fla. Ja'Cari Henderson, his twin brother Demari Henderson, and linebacker Kameron Moore. They will be a part of building a defense that's built on speed, versatility, and toughness.
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UCF should be able to throw bombs against USF's porous passing defense. Look for several Knights to get deep, including Jaylon Robinson and Brandon Johnson among others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The USF defense struggled all season long, with a total defensive ranking of 125th out of 130 teams. The pass rush was all but nonexistent with just nine sacks on the season, and the rush defense was run over by allowing 210.4 yards per game. The Knights' offense will crush the Bulls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Knights came out and did a fabulous job of playing great football from the outset of Saturday's game against Connecticut. The Knights went up 28-0 in the early second quarter and never looked back. Now, can UCF use that momentum and play well against USF in the War on I-4 game this next Friday at 3:30 EST? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's the home stretch of UCF Football Recruiting! There are several updates that will be on Inside The Knights regarding film reviews of every UCF commitment. Additionally, UCF still has room to add more players to this class, and that's where it gets interesting...Let's talk UCF Football Recruiting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As I go to my first UCF Basketball game of the season, there are two primary areas that I will be watching this evening when it hosts Jacksonville. First, will this be a team that shares the basketball? Second, what's the team defense like? As a bonus, how do those two qualities work together to help start and finish fast break opportunities? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amongst four areas that need to be discussed, both now and in the future, tackling, making special plays when there's an opportunity to seize the moment, overcoming injuries, and building the UCF defensive roster through recruiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The SMU offensive attack will challenge the talented and trending defensive secondary for the Knights. Will they be ready to face one of college football's top passing games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meshing a new coaching staff with players, battling an incredibly high rate of injuries to key players, and developing the roster despite the obstacles, that's the 2021 UCF Football team through nine games. Now, UCF must find a way to raise the bar as some of the injured players come back into the lineup, while getting ready to play an SMU team that quite frankly will be upset that it lost a game that it should not have this past Saturday. Will the Knights match that intensity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Media day. It’s the time when questions for members of the UCF Men’s Basketball team centered towards playing time, scoring averages, and winning championships happened. With that in mind, and those were certainly good questions to ask, a more interesting and not so serious round of questions needed to be asked as well. UCF Head Basketball Coach Johnny Dawkins knew his players before the media day, and he may have found a newfound respect for some of his players after seeing the following videos. All in fun, take a look. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Very few players possess the raw physical skill of running back Richard Young, and fewer yet possess his dedication to being better each day for himself and his teammates. Before he heads off to a big-time college football program, it's important to point out what an example he is during and away from the practice field. Here's a great example of what a teammate is with Young as a prime example. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tulane should be an opponent UCF should beat, but it’s not a given. The Green Wave may be 1-7 heading into this Saturday’s game, but it’s actually a better football team than many believe. That’s because of the offensive firepower that Tulane can provide at times. After watching the Tulane versus Cincinnati game, surprising results came about regarding Tulane’s offense, especially the running game. As for the Green Wave defense, it’s vulnerable. Very vulnerable. Both the run defense and the pass defense can be exposed, and that’s why Tulane allows 40.9 points per contest, ranking them No. 127 in the country out of 130 teams. The biggest question mark, however, came from what did not appear on film, and that’s the starting quarterback. This podcast will detail the good, bad and ugly about Tulane and what to expect this Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Which NFL running backs does Isaiah Bowser resemble to you? For me, it would be NFL all-time greats Curtis Martin and Edgerrin James. Both players were all-around talents that ran between the tackles, caught passes, and most importantly they would block for their quarterbacks. Here's a look at Bowser's talents and a more defined look at what it means to be drafted high in the NFL as a running back, by providing specific comparisons to Bowser's game with Martin and James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Denison, Texas - To truly scout high school football, one needs to travel to see prospects from around the United States. Few locations for high school football talent trump the state of Texas. After arriving at Love Airport in Dallas, it was time to head north to Denison, a town that’s full of residents that are very proud of their Yellow Jackets. It’s an opportunity to learn about a big-time running back, and also see the other talented players at this North Texas program. The first day at Denison, prior to going to see them play on Friday evening, did not disappoint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Nittany Lions' loss to Illinois should serve as a point of emphasis for top-notch college football programs like Georgia, Alabama, Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio State and Oklahoma alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
There was a time when the state of Florida contained at least two, if now three, teams ranked in the national top 10. Florida, Miami, and Florida State all had their moments. Great teams for a long ride during the 1980s, and especially the 1990s, and into the 2000s. Alas, UCF began to emerge, but at the same time there were some turbulent times with the traditional “Big 3” in Florida. That’s not ever been more the case than right now. All three of Florida, Florida State and Miami lost commitments recently, while UCF just secured the commitments of three highly coveted targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With the commitment of the Henderson twins, Ja'Cari and Demari, from Sanford (Fla.) Seminole, UCF Football recruiting hit the big-time. While many college football fans will attempt to discount what UCF is doing along the recruiting trail, make no mistake that the Knights are recruiting at a high level right now. It's no longer a situation of UCF just landing a few commitments from prospects with SEC and ACC offers, it's a consistent theme. Here's what it means now, as well as what to expect from UCF for the future, with football recruiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can anyone derail the Georgia Bulldogs as they attempt to win their first national championship since 1980? With the Associated Press Poll’s No. 1 ranking locked up by way of securing all 63 of the first-place spots, it’s a sign that the Bulldogs are the clear favorite to win the national title. Who shall challenge this team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will the UCF Football program just continue to recruit developmental recruits? Will UCF go after only the highly ranked prospects? Where should UCF fans expect the Knights to reel in unexpected prospects? Here's a look at each of those questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For the Knights, they have four young players at cornerback with promise. They are developing, and there’s certainly plenty of room for improvement. How they finish out the rest of the 2021 season will be important for this season, as well as the next two to three seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With three games gone by, UCF Quarterback Mikey Keene needs to improve in three areas to help the Knights move the football and score points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Will Florida Head Football Coach Dan Mullen be too stubborn to fire Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham? Will members of the Florida Bull Gator Club call for Mullen's job if he does not eliminate Coach Grantham from the Florida staff? The Gators play Georgia a week from Saturday, almost a sure loss. Three weeks after that, Florida travels to Columbia, Mo. to play Missouri. That's a dangerous offense to up against. Can Coach Grantham's rush defense, as well as his defense overall stand up to what the Tigers will do to run the football and score points? Lots of intrigue with Florida Football moving forward. Who get's fired? Perhaps both Mullen and Grantham lose their jobs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How will UCF handle the big-play Memphis offense? That’s the biggest question coming into Friday night’s game at the Bounce House. With that concern, it’s compounded by UCF’s lack of creating big plays during the past three games, while allowing four game-changing plays this season that just cannot happen again. Here are the prime concerns from UCF’s recent games and how they could impact the game against Memphis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Through six games, taking a look at the UCF offense and defense with a specific grade for each position group, discussing how the UCF Football program has handled the media, and finally a look at how UCF is recruiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Now that half the college football season has passed, UCF Football's recruiting needs have changed. Here's a look at what the Knights are likely to do at each position on offense and defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The biggest issue from this 56-21 loss be how the players came out and performed early in the game. Not enough energy, bad body language, and a lack of 100% effort doomed UCF from the outset. There were plenty of situations for blame on the coaching staff, but the disaster begins with the UCF players. Next, UCF's offensive game plan did not attack down the field. After bringing it up several times this week, today's game is why any college football team must attack, in a very specific way, the Cincinnati secondary. The Bearcats sit on short routes and play downhill. So what's UCF do? Throw short passes. Bad idea. UCF needed to physically beat up on Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant. Run the football directly at them, run Joey Gatewood directly at them, run screens with massive offensive linemen running right at them. For the most part, that did not happen. Finally, UCF's inability to play smart football led to easy situations for Cincinnati. Special teams plays like a shanked punt, a return man hesitating after catching the football, and the quarterback using a snap count that allowed the Cincinnati defenders to time up the snap and gain an advantage over the UCF offensive tackles all took place today. That's bad football and it's 100% on the players. Those are common sense issues that must be fixed before the Knights play Memphis this next Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A game that I have circled since this summer would be Warner Robins (Ga.) High School at Waycross (Ga.) Ware County. Warner Robins would be the defending 5A State Champions, while Ware County is trying to climb to the top themselves. Defensive end Vic Burley, a class of 2023 prospect, leads Warner Robins. He's one of the best players in the country regardless of class or position. For Ware County, UCF quarterback commitment Thomas Castellanos leads his squad. There's also an overview of rising offensive tackle Matt McCoy, an offensive tackle from Creekside High School just south of Jacksonville (Fla.). He's one of the most athletic class of 2022 offensive tackles in the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing the abilities of UCF tight end verbal commitment Grant Stevens after stopping by Nease High School to see Stevens this morning. Beyond Stevens, discussing UCF's tight end history, and how the Knights will be using the tight end position more and more during the next several seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How many injuries can the Knights sustain without truly changing the lineup so much that it impacts the remaining starters and reserves? The UCF coaches and players will be challenged to come up with new ways to make big-time plays this season. The number of injuries has been brutal, no question. There are still players that can step up and make a difference. Here's an overview of how that happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
UCF will be without big-time defensive tackle Kalia Davis the rest of 2021. How do the Knights adjust? There needs to be new rotation, as well as consideration for new schemes to maximize the talent available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Southern California fired its head coach, Clay Helton. Now, which major college football coach gets fired first in October? There are several reasons for asking this question, including how it impacts numerous other programs. Coaching hires: assistant coaches going to new jobs, recruits changing their commitments, head coaches moving to new schools, etc. As it relates to UCF, the Big 12 needs an influx of coaching talent, especially assistant coaches that can recruit elite defensive prospects. The Big 12 still stinks at playing defense and that must change. Here's a look at the specific nature of coaching changes, beginning with LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron, who's all but a lock to be fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Knights defense did something it had not all season, and that would be containing the opposing team's best player by not allowing him to reach the perimeter. Holding Keaton Mitchell to 65 yards rushing, as well as not allowing a player over 33 yards overall, really good job by the UCF defense. Now, how healthy will the Knights be for the Cincinnati game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ever wonder how a college football game day visit transpires? Here's an overview for what happens, as well as what questions and situations often arise from recruits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How UCF recruits for its 2022 recruiting class will be a glimpse into the future of UCF recruiting. Yes, the Knights will still bring in developmental players similar to Kalia Davis, but there will be a shift. It's the same shift that's already begun to take hold. UCF is moving up with finding and recruiting top-notch recruits during their earlier years of high school. It's going to pay off big-time in 2023, 2024, etc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who's really hurt and who's not? Discussion about UCF's so-called depth chart starts off today's show. There's also the concern over how UCF handles three East Carolina skill position players, especially if the injuries limit the Knights on defense. Will UCF rotate different players in an attempt to stop Keaton Mitchell and Tyler Snead? There's still CJ Johnson at a wide receiver position as well. Finally, how motivated will the UCF players be? The Knights cannot afford to lose a third consecutive game. The UCF players need to be jacked up and ready to play against East Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Finding ways to pressure a quarterback that's prone to big mistakes will be a priority for the Knights. Within this episode, two particular plays are explained that define how UCF can change the game against East Carolina by way of its quarterback Holton Ahlers. Second, stay away from the middle of the field. That's what UCF quarterback Mikey Keene needs to do. The Pirates do a really good job of taking the football away, especially in the middle of the field where experienced linebackers and aggressive safeties will look to create interceptions as well as punch out the football after a reception is made. Finally, which UCF defensive players, or special teams players, makes that game-changing play to help charge the Bounce House and change the scoreboard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reflecting upon Gus Malzahn's weekly press conference with information about UCF injuries, Mikey Keene's performance, and how the Knights need to clean up special teams.
Keene also spoke to the media, and he continuously mentioned how he felt comfortable, as well as how he needs to place the football in the hands of the playmakers more often. He also mentioned getting it right as a team and finding a way to win this next Saturday.
The Last speaker was defensive tackle Cam Goode. He reiterated what Keene said regarding this upcoming Saturday. There were players that stepped up and spoke about what needs to happen, too. Goode made that quite clear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Looking back at the good, bad and the ugly from Navy, as well as discussing several aspects of what makes East Carolina a dangerous team. Watch out for East Carolina running back Keaton Mitchell, who's averaging 9.6 yards per carry and scored four rushing touchdowns already. On Defense, East Carolina's Ja'Quan McMillian is tied for the nation's lead with four interceptions. Will the Knights move forward and get a win versus East Carolina? Here's a look at how that starts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can anyone stop the collision course between Alabama and Georgia?
What about Penn State, Cincinnati, Iowa and Oklahoma?
There's still a long way to do, but the two SEC powers continue to be the best of the best. Let's see if anyone can catch up to the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With the game being on the road and Navy off to an 0-3 start, there’s reason to believe that the Midshipmen will come out and play their best game of the year. While possible, there’s also a reason Navy started this season winless. The Midshipmen are dead last in the FBS with just 10 points scored per game. That stat stems from the following two statistics as much as any others: allowing 28 tackles for loss and allowing 16 sacks. Again, it’s only three games. Remember those statistics as the Knights take the field this afternoon. There’s no reason to believe Navy will suddenly be a good football team. Mikey Keene will make his first start and do just fine. UCF will win this football game going away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
To understand the triple-option play, one must know a little bit about its history, as well as how it transformed over time. The players that truly looked like magicians as they faked and juked their teams down the length of the football field, that’s where it started. When the Knights play Navy this Saturday, there will be a handoff or fake on almost every single play Navy runs. It’s intended to confuse; make no mistake about that. Here’s an overview of the option via podcast, and then onto more details about how the option works and some of the players and coaches that made it famous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As the Knights are now two days from kickoff at Navy, it’s time to take a closer look at what should work offensively against a Navy defense that’s struggled at times in 2021. Can the Knights come out and run the football directly at Navy? How will Mikey Keene handle his first assignment as the starting quarterback for UCF? Look for running back Johnny Richardson and wide receiver Brandon Johnson to each have big games against Navy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Four primary programs in Florida, and four schools to discuss. That’s The State of Florida Football Recruiting Report and what it stands for. This is a report that will tell it like it is regarding Florida, Florida State, Miami and UCF. There’s an overview of prospects committed, as well as some projections based on how the teams are trending at any one given time. It’s the same with the podcast version of the report which goes into much greater depth and expands on topics like how Florida State starting the season 0-4 will likely impact its recruiting class, as well as the new seven scholarships that the NCAA will be allowing to replace transfers that leave a program. Additionally, his report will be a mainstay at Inside The Knights.
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The first quarter of the 2021 season has come and gone. It’s time to statistically evaluate the UCF defense and see what they did well, and what needs to be improved upon. Thus far, too many close but not quite good enough moments took place for the defense. That’s the overall theme. It needs to change. There’s also reason for optimism based on the players that continue to be a part of the defense. There’s size, speed, athleticism, and experience. Plus, it’s only been three games. So what’s needed to improve? Inside today’s podcast of The Daily Knight will be a closer look at national statistics and where the UCF defense ranks within multiple categories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With the Louisville game as a barometer of what to come, the UCF defense should be motivated to stop a Navy option attack that will attempt to reach the perimeter and create big plays in the process. If the Knights contain Navy’s option attack by not allowing the wing backs and quarterback to reach the edges of the defense, there’s little chance that Navy will be able to score with UCF. On offense, look for freshman quarterback Mikey Keene to play well during his first start. Regardless of the injury situation, the UCF offense possesses far too many skill position players with speed and quickness for Navy to handle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing how the injuries to players such as Matthew Lee, Isaiah Bowser, Jaylon Robinson, Ricky Barber, Tatum Bethune and Corey Thornton could impact true freshman quarterback Mikey Keene, who will make his first start this upcoming Saturday. Any of those young men missing time against Navy, this upcoming Saturday, could impact play calling and how the Knights perform. Each of those players start for UCF and the Knights need them back as soon as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can UCF compete with the SEC for recruits? There's a checklist one needs to consider before answering that question. The process of competing for elite recruits starts with a foundation of an administration that supports the coach, spends money on facilities and assistant coaches, and those coaches do a great job developing their players. Those areas began to take shape for the UCF Football program already. With Head Coach Gus Malzahn leading the Knights, UCF now holds the key component of a head coach that the UCF administration wants to be leading the program. The transition to Coach Malzahn and his staff went very well. There are renderings of what the new football football facilities will be. Still, there's more that's needed. The UCF Football program needs to pitch the future of the football complex and do so with very specific details. That's important to a 16 to 18 year old young man considering UCF and also holds offers from the SEC. This podcast digs deep into the overall thought process of how and why the Knights can compete with the SEC. The aforementioned points are inside the podcast, along with a few additional points that help define the best answer to the question at hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Several players performed as expected last night, and a few new names emerged. Players from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian and Lake City (Fla.) Columbia played hard and represented themselves well. Some of the players that did well last night from Trinity Christian include Treyaun Webb, Cam Miller, Darnell Rogers, Fred Highsmith and Colin Hurley. For Columbia, impressed by Adeon Farmer, Tray Tolliver, Amare Ferrell, Jaden Robinson and the toughness of the defense overall. They battled despite being placed in tough situations for much of the game. Did not see as much of Marcus Peterson as one would prefer because the starting quarterback simply did not have time to throw, but his athleticism was never in question, nor his play-making ability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Previewing six college prospects from the Jacksonville Trinity Christian at Lake City Columbia game, which includes several national recruits. UCF is recruiting Jacksonville and North Florida so this is a great way to see some possible future UCF players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Defining UCF's recruiting efforts for the class of 2022, including why this particular recruiting class will be smaller to fit the NCAA's mandate to be back down to 85 total scholarships is included in this episode. There's also a breakdown of each UCF 2022 commitment and where they will likely play for the Knights. This impacts the class of 2023, and that situation already started to take shape as well with UCF coaches hitting the road to recruit underclassmen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This podcast previewed Texas A&M at Arkansas, Missouri at Boston College, LSU at Mississippi State, and Clemson at North Carolina State. There are possible upsets in each of these four games. Do not be surprised when at least one, if not two, of these games results in an upset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With Mikey Keene taking over for Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, there's going to be a shift in play calling and overall style of play for the Knights. How much does this young signal caller know about the current UCF offense and what physical skills does he bring to the gridiron? Those questions will be discussed within this podcast and it will go in-depth about what Keene can do and what he needs to work on as he learns on the fly as UCF's starting quarterback. He's a freshman, so there's going to be a bit of learning curve, but this young man does not appear to be concerned about contact, as discussed within this episode of The Daily Knight. Further, a breakdown of Keene's film helped define his playing style and what UCF fans should expect. After watching several different game highlights of this young quarterback, Keene’s high school film showed promise in multiple areas. Here are thoughts about Keene prior to coming to UCF, as well as some thoughts about how they will translate to the college game he’s now involved with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing the concerns of Mikey Keene at QB for UCF, including UCF Head Coach Gus Malzahn talking about his new signal caller. Coach Malzahn seemed pretty pleased with how everything went thus far, but he's just one person. The question becomes, how well he and others handle situations at practice that do not go well? Will the older players accept Keene if he's not rock solid from the outset? Without access to practice, it's hard to project just how much the veteran players will adjust to the signal caller from Arizona. Beyond that concern, it's an introduction the much larger podcast that will be out on Wednesday, Sep. 22 about Keene's style of play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Defining the UCF defense, level by level. This means evaluating the defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties from a combination of standpoints. First, it's how each group does collectively, then discuss some of the prime players and whether they played up to their ability or not. There's game situation information that must be detailed, and that's part of the overall grade for the defense that's provided at the end of the broadcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With Dillon Gabriel being out an indefinite amount of time, UCF must move forward at quarterback. Here are the two candidates -- Mikey Keene and Joey Gatewood -- that will be most likely to lead the UCF offense for the foreseeable future. Talking points include their playing styles, history, and why they can continue to help the Knights be a very good offensive team. Additionally, how the offensive line and running game possesses the talent to help mitigate the loss of Gabriel, as well as help one or both of the aforementioned quarterbacks adapt into a new role within the UCF offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For years, the state of Florida has produced numerous big-time high school football programs. From Miami to Fort Myers to Vero Beach to Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa, Ocala, Lake City and all the way out to Pensacola, the Sunshine State's high school football programs battled one another with great matchups across the state. There was parity, for the most part. Well, there's been a change. High school coaches are flat out recruiting players from other programs, as well as having their own players and parents or players help to recruit other programs' players. It's a disaster. There's no honor. Here are two ways to mitigate the disaster that revolves around Florida high school football players transferring at an alarming rate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing the main points for each team to win on Friday night: the running game for each team, how the quarterbacks handle pressures and different coverages, and turnovers. Prime matchups include UCF WR Jaylon Robinson against Louisville CB Kei'Trel Clark, the UCF front seven attempting to contain Louisville QB Malik Cunningham inside the pocket, and how Louisville defends UCF's power rushing attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Predicting the outcomes of three games within the state of Florida: Florida State at Wake Forest, Alabama at Florida, and Michigan State at Miami. There's a great deal of failure among the state of Florida programs right now, and this weekend could be a tipping point for Florida State and Miami in particular. If the Seminoles start the 2021 season 0-3, can the program rebound? Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman is an experienced signal caller that's completing 67% of his passes and has a 4-0 touchdown to interception ratio. The Seminoles better be ready to play because Wake Forest will score more than 30 points. As for Miami, the offensive line continues to struggle, and the team just does not own the big moments like it used to do. Even with big-play ability of quarterback D'Eriq King, Miami only scored 25 points against Appalachian State and needed a late field goal to win. If the Hurricanes start 1-2, the Miami fan base is going to be livid, and rightfully so. Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III already amassed 321 yards on the ground, averaging 10.7 yards per carry, and scored five rushing touchdowns. If the Hurricanes do not slow him down, they will not win. Alabama goes to Gainesville and the Gators will need their best effort to stay in the game, but with budding talent Anthony Richardson there's a chance for an upset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Louisville's offense will be at its most dangerous when the Knights allow signal caller Malik Cunningham outside the pocket. His natural athleticism and arm strength have proven to be more dynamic when Cunningham is on the run instead of inside the traditional tackle box. Once on the perimeter, the redshirt junior quarterback can make a defense pay in different ways. Sometimes Cunningham will launch a deep pass, other times he will fool a secondary into thinking he will run and then at the last moment make a pass to a wide-open target, and lastly Cunningham will create yardage with his legs. He's more art than science, so the Knights need to keep Cunningham from escaping the rush and making plays on the edges of the UCF defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Discussing the key matchups and players that will be an important part of the UCF at Louisville game this Friday, Sep. 17. A key component of this game would be Louisville QB Malik Cunningham, a player that the UCF defense must contain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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