The University of San Francisco Dons made it through Selection Sunday and into the brackets.It's USF's first NCAA bid since 1998.

Coach Todd Golden has led a quick turnaround at San Francisco, putting the Dons on the cusp of their first NCAA Tournament since 1998 in his third season. San Francisco is No. 24 in the NCAA's NET rankings and is one of the nation's best 3-point shooting teams, led by the sharp-shooting Jamaree Bouyea.

I can’t say I’ve ever listened to FSU game on the radio, but I have enjoyed him as the Bucs voice for years.

Ocoee (Fla.) defensive back Zachary Tobe won't be able to attend UCF's Hometown Hero event next weekend, so the coaches invited him to visit campus Sunday. He left with an offer in hand.

"Next week I was already scheduled to visit Iowa State on the 29th, so Coach Addison Williams asked to see if I could come over today," Tobe said. "We actually just got back this morning from Tennessee. I went to a couple games, but this was my first time going into the athletic department facilities. I got a tour of everything. I got to meet Coach (David) Gibbs and I got to see Coach (Kenny) Martin again. I had a conversation with the defensive coordinator, Travis Williams, for a little bit. Then at the end we did a little photo shoot."

Offers have come in so far from Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, FAU, Iowa State, South Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Purdue and Cincinnati. UCF is now joining that list.

"At the end of the visit, me and my dad were meeting with Coach Addison and Coach Gibbs in the defensive meeting room, and that's when they said I had an offer," Tobe said. "They were talking about how they wanted to get to know me more. They said I looked good on film, but it's more than that. They wanted to see how I was as a person. That's why they waited so long. They wanted to make sure I fit the UCF brand. I couldn't stop smiling."

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder could play anywhere in the secondary.

"The coaches said they would teach me to play all three, corner, nickel and safety," Tobe said.

As a junior, Tobe had 31 tackles and two interceptions.

"Most people expect taller DBs to be stiff, but I can move well," Tobe said. "I can cover and tackle. I can do everything a DB is supposed to do."

What stands out about UCF?

"I love that it's close to home," Tobe said. "That's real big for me. I've been to Power Five schools, and I know UCF is a Power Five school now, but their facilities are just as good. They're definitely up to par. I really like the culture. Everybody is like a big family over there."

Tobe said he's wide open among all the schools recruiting him. No favorites yet.

"The big thing for me is relationship with the coaches," Tobe said. "Of course I want to fit into the defense, but it's really about the relationships I build. I want coaches that will do what's best for me besides the football part of it."

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Finally got the Schutt Full size replica for my Space Helmet. The closest I could find color scheme wise for helmet and face mask ......Stay tuned

Jam packed Sons of UCF LIVE Show #60: Off the top, we're talking Quarterbacks and UCF Football Spring Camp. Then Sons LIVE standout and MBB legend BJ Taylor talks Women's Hoops in the NCAA Tournament and we wrap up the Men's Basketball season. Finally, former Knight Stephen Branca breaks some pitching news before UCF's weekend series.

Click here to watch and thanks!

My Bracket:

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Looking forward to hopefully seeing Memphis pull a few upsets and Michigan to lose to CSU.


May we all lose work productivity and may this March Madness have mercy on our employer's soul...

With that, LETS RIDE

This rollout is just for the wet dress rehearsal ( launch is tentatively scheduled for June/July but it will likely slip ).

Rollout is scheduled to begin at 5 PM March 17.

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Ok everyone this evening at 6:00 our UCF Women’s Softball Team hosts The Ohio State.


The game is on ESPN+ if you can‘t make it.


If you can’t make it, I’ll just have to yell louder.


Hope to see you there!!!…

If you just want to getaway for a weekend on the east coast of FL, driving from Boca, where would you go? Vero, Sebastian, Daytona? Will I still be dealing with spring breakers on 3/25? If so where will they not be?

Not sure why it says he played a game. He never even dressed. Players who redshirt almost always means NGE.

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Sam Jackson has always prided himself on his versatility. A starting tackle who's also moonlighted as a guard, the sixth-year center is adding center to his repertoire this spring.

Jackson isn't expecting to take over Matt Lee's role but with limited depth and no clear backup at that position, he wants to be ready just in case.

Here's a recap of everything Jackson had to say on Thursday following UCF's second day of spring practice:

How was the second day?

"It feels good to get back out there," Jackson said. "As a guy who's been through it, you know what to expect. The first two days is trying to get acclimated. We'll see where we're at on Saturday."

UCF added an experienced tackle transfer in January, Ryan Swoboda formerly of Virginia.

"I think he's a good addition to our team," Jackson said. "I think he's gonna have a really good shot of competing for a spot. He's a really athletic dude for how tall he is. He uses his length very well. I'm excited to see what he does. You really find out who a person is once you put pads on. Saturday should be good."

With Cole Schneider moving on, Adrian Medley is vying to be next man up at guard.

"Cole is a dude. He was a really good player and he's gonna do really good things in the NFL. Looking forward to seeing him play. As you said, Medley is in this position right now and all the coaches want to see him step up. I think he's done a really good job. He's making the strides he needs to do. He's maturing, realizing the position he's in. He's taking a hold of it. Hopefully he runs away with it."

Asked about other players he'd like to see step, Jackson is rooting for Paul Rubelt.

"I really like how I see Paul Rubelt playing.. He's making strides. Getting him on the field would be a huge plus for us."

Who are the defensive linemen he clashes with in practice?

"When I'm playing tackle, I see Josh Celiscar mostly," Jackson said. "He's doing a phenomenal job. He's definitely gotten stronger over the offseason. I can definitely tell that. He's keying in on the little things. And when I'm playing center, by the way I am playing center, Ricky (Barber), (Anthony) Montalvo, Lee Hunter. All great guys. I enjoy seeing good depth of d-linemen because they're good across the board."

Jackson elaborated on learning the center position.

"(Coach Hand) wants me as an emergency center right now. We only have 13 offensive linemen (in spring). To get three groups going, you need guys rotating in. Coach Hand talked to me about it. It will be good for me in the future, just being versatile knowing I can play center if need be."

He's leaning on Matt Lee to help him along.

"When he was younger, I was always helping him out. Now I'm playing a new position and going to him if I have a question, what would he do. He's selfless as he always is. He's just a great leader and a great guy."

What's the biggest goal this season for the offensive line?

"We've just got to be a consistently physical offensive line," Jackson said. "We all talked about it as a unit. When we played Florida, I felt that was our most physical game. We need to carry that across the season. The offense doesn't move without the offensive line. Setting the tone early. Being those guys the team can rely on when needed. That's just something that as a group, it's a goal we want to do."

What differences has he seen in quarterback Mikey Keene heading into his sophomore season with a lot of starts under his belt?

"He's just comfortable. You see it. Like we said last year, you're 18 and you come in, it's an uncomfortable feeling leading an offense in Division I football. Coming into the spring, you can tell he's comfortable and ready to get back out there and work on what he needs to work on. It's cool to see."

And what's the early outlook for freshman quarterback Thomas Castellanos?

"He's a playmaker," Jackson said. "He does a really good job. I think his coach will tell you, he's in the playbook and trying to take in as much as he can. When he has the ball in his hands, he makes something happen. It's really good. It's going to push all the quarterbacks to be better. It's going to be a good competition."

Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee?

"He's always smiling. He always has that positive energy about him that he brings. It boosts everyone up. Just like the other quarterbacks, he's a guy that's experienced. He's coming in and has that veteran leadership to help out in the room that's full of younger guys. It's everything. I can't say enough about how much of a great attitude he always has."

Jackson has enjoyed getting to know and learning from offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who joined the staff in late December.

"He's an awesome dude. I love Coach Lindsey. I did some recruiting trips with him where we went out when I was hosting. I got to know him. He's a great dude. He's really a down-to-earth kind of guy. Someone anybody can talk to. He has a lot of knowledge of the game. Especially being a previous head coach, he just brings a whole new perspective. You can learn a lot from him."

I asked about the highlight of Thursday's practice. Jackson said somebody made a great catch, but was so locked in he didn't register who it was.

"On the offensive line, everything is right here. Not a lot I'm able to see. I think one of our receivers made a spectacular catch. I can't remember who the number was. Whenever I'm going, I'm like right here and I'm on to the next play."

Last year spring was mostly getting to know the coaching staff and vice versa. What's the overall theme of the second spring under Gus Malzahn?

"Malzahn told us it's development and competition," Jackson said. "They brought in a lot of guys from the transfer portal and you've got to compete for your position. At the same time, you need to develop every practice. Last year they had to rush through things. You've got to install a new playbook. Now it's all about developing what you need to do. The little things. That's the emphasis they've put on it."

What's Gus like going into year two?

"He's consistent. He's the same guy. He brings the juice every practice. Making sure he's holding us to a high standard. He's demanding the best from you. I like that. He doesn't change. It's good to have a coach you know what to expect every day."

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Defensive tackle Ricky Barber had a monster 2020 season at Western Kentucky, earning Freshman All-American honors with 51 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 27 hurries and a forced fumble.

The junior-to-be had similar aspirations last season after transferring to UCF, but suffered an injury in the third game at Louisville which forced him to miss the next two games. While he did return to action, Barber was never 100 percent. He finished the year with 29 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

"It was definitely a learning experience," Barber said. I was coming off my All-American season the year before. It definitely humbled me. I realized there are things I've got to get better and improve on. I'm trying to work on my physicality. Being more explosive and making those big plays in the moments we need them."

Barber said he's naturally a quiet person, but he's trying to speak out more to establish himself as more of a leader.

"I'm trying to take that next step," he said. "I went to being the new guy to trying to take on a leadership role on the team. Now I'm trying to be the vocal guy."

He's said the winter workouts were productive.

"I was getting my body back healthy, building the muscles back that weakened during the season," he said.

UCF wrapped up their second day of spring practice on Thursday. Any early standouts?

"In my position group, Matthew Alexander and Lee Hunter," Barber said. "I'm definitely impressed with them."

Alexander redshirted last season.

"He's a young player, but he has a lot of potential," Barber said. "He's super strong and very twitchy. I like him a lot. I feel he has a lot of room to grow, but he's already a good player."

Leadership wise, Barber said Keenan Hester is "taking a big step" as well.

Though it's not his position, Barber likes what he's seen of redshirt freshman linebacker Cole Joyce.

"I like him a lot," Barber said. "We lift together. Watching him in the weight room, I like him."

The offensive lineman he typically goes up against is left guard Adrian Medley, who is looking to earn a full-time starting spot this spring.

"He's doing really good," Barber said. "He's stout, strong. I like him. He's good competition, definitely."

Asked about the defensive play of practice, Barber was hesitant to brag on himself but said he made a play.

"I read a screen," he said.

How good can the 2022 UCF defense be?

"I think we're a dangerous defense," Barber said. "I feel we have all the pieces right now. Once everyone gets on on board and understands their responsibilities and roles, we can be dangerous."

Here is my case for Thursdays being the best day of the week:

• Great day for a Happy Hour
• Friday Jr. All about the build up
• In the fall it starts a slate of CFB and an NFL game.
• Often the eve of a planned PTO 3-day weekend.
• Flights to anywhere are cheaper and you get to ease into the weekend.
• Go hard all day in the office and finish out the bulk of the week’s work, while Friday is just maintenance/appearances for the week after
• Friday is amateur hour, Saturday is fine but it’s filled with life errands/commitments, Sunday you gets the scaries, Mondays might as well be called Mohajirs, Tuesdays are atrocious, Wednesday “Hump Day” water cooler talk is soul-crushing

Make your case. Happy Thursday.

Lmao. I mean I've always known this was their logo but just saw this RT'd.

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Awful news.

Do you blame ‘em? Kind of have to respect it.

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Come out next Thursday and meet
Tommy Castellanos
Jordan McDonald
Colton Boomer
Nikai Martinez
Grant Stevens

If you haven't signed up yet, go to www.missioncontrolucf.com and sign up. Members can bring kids under 18 at no charge. Hope to see you all next week.

South Georgia LB with 4 years of eligibility

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Lmao imagine trusting a failed politician for medical research. If you guys weren't absolute doorknob licking morons you would know you are in a cult.

I'm forking off this off from the TV Show Recommendation Thread ...

• https://ucf.forums.rivals.com/threads/ot-tv-show-recommendation-thread-📺.74840/

UCFBS said:

I should have watched The Last Kingdom before I dropped Netflix, but the wife wasn't into it much.

I'll probably binge it myself when I pick up Netflix at the end of this year when The Crown Season 6 airs. I never cared much for the Royal Family and too much British culture, but that all changed over the last dozen years when I started working with a lot of British and Irish coworkers.

Either that, or I might pick it up Seasons 1-4 on DVD, rip them, and then just watch Season 5 on Netflix. I don't think they released it on DVD.

I did the same with The Expanse. I ripped Seasons 1-3 from DVD, and just watched Season 4-6 on Prime Video. In all honesty, Season 4 was forgettable, Season 5 wasn't that much better, some good, but not all. Season 6 was probably the best of the last 3, but I still loved Seasons 1-3 far, far more.

It's really about what I watch, and re-watch, when I consider DVD. I should start a new thread on that too.

Click to expand...

Because I know I'm in the minority of people who still rip, but I also know I'm not the only one here.

I'm looking for Movies and, even more so, TV shows to consider buying on DVD or [4K] BluRay and rip so I can watch off-line. My last few have been ...

• The Expanse (only seasons 1-3)
• Law'n Order (all 20 seasons)

I'm pretty open on the wide scale. The Last King Kingdom (seasons 1-4, 5 if available too) is getting a serious look from me as I never got around to watching it on Netflix.

Q: Any others still on DVD and/or [4K] BluRay?



Backstory

With more and more movies going to Streaming, and being done by Streaming-only services, I see fewer and fewer DVD and [4K] BluRay disc releases. I'm still one of those people that still like to have DRM-less hardcopies, so I still rip DVD and (I need to get a new reader) [4K] BluRay discs. Why?

One of the big reasons I still do this is that I'll be on a plane and my phone/tablet will not let me play a previously downloaded Netflix, Prime Video, Vudu, et al. movie. It either expects me to be connected to the Internet to 'verify,' or in some cases, it 'expired' the download period (and quite fast -- Vudu is getting notorious for this) and expects me to re-download, and the airline is blocking such streaming download/play. Also ... a few companies offering this service have not only gone out of business, but even kept people's hardcopies.

I have probably a half-thousand movies and several thousand episodes in various shows. E.g., I try to buy the media on Vudu with any stream purchase, as it's worth it ... if offered.

I like to queue up several playlists on my Synology (whether via DS Video or Plex) of favorite movies and episodes. I also keep about 100-200GiB on my phone and tablet MicroSD cards ready to play (all have 256, 400 or 512GB cards).

Let the games begin!

I started a new BA position with a company that is growing rapidly. We currently have 50+ openings.

Business Analysts
Project Managers
Operations
QA/Test
Programmer Analysts
Sales
+
Most positions are remote from home.
Let me know if you are looking for work in IT or IT sales. Company is a FL based company as well.