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ORLANDO — UCF’s first taste of Big 12 football was “not good enough,” Gus Malzahn declared following Monday’s opening fall practice. Last year was the first in which the Knights’ 58-year-old head coach endured a losing record.
To remedy the situation, Malzahn and his assistants sought experience in the transfer portal and premium talent from the high school ranks to build a roster capable of withstanding the conference’s weekly rigors. Whether that comes to fruition, and whether the Knights exceed their eighth-place league expectations, could well be determined over the next month.
“Competing brings out the best in everybody,” Malzahn said. “As a coaching staff, every day, that depth chart is fluid and moving, which I think is really good.”
UCF football schedule 2024: Dates, kickoff times, TV channel for each game
KJ Jefferson, assuming he stays healthy, will break the huddle as UCF’s starting quarterback for the Aug. 29 home opener against New Hampshire. RJ Harvey returned for his final year of eligibility after rushing for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns. Beyond that, few spots are set in stone.
Let’s look at five position battles to monitor throughout the preseason for UCF.
Wide receiver
Chauncey Magwood breaks free for a 70-yard gain during UCF’s spring game at FBC Mortgage Stadium, Friday, April 12, 2024.
Two starting receivers return to the fold for the Knights in Kobe Hudson and Xavier Townsend, who combined for 1,225 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. However, Javon Baker chose to forego his final year of eligibility after leading the Big 12 with 1,139 receiving yards, ultimately being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
Townsend worked on the perimeter throughout the spring, creating additional flexibility for the Knights in their alignment. Malzahn and first-year offensive…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-football-opens-fall-camp-211047933.html
Author : Daytona Beach News-Journal
Publish date : 2024-07-29 21:10:47
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