ADVERTISEMENT

Sons of UCF LIVE Show #60: Football Spring Camp/Hoops Wrap with BJ Taylor/Breaking UCF Baseball News with Stephen Branca

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!

***UCF OL Sam Jackson learning a new position this spring 🏈***

Login to view embedded media

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."

***UCF DT Ricky Barber ready to take the next step 🏈***

Login to view embedded media

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."

OT: What’s your favorite day of the week?

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.

9 dead after crash involving New Mexico university’s golf teams in West Texas

Awful news.

Unvaccinated Trump supporters are mostly unmoved by expert messaging, study finds

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.

  • Poll
[OT] Rippers Thread: Movies and TV from DVD/BluRay

Do you still rip and use a media server or other, local box for storage?

  • YES, I'm still a ripper, and I have a Synology NAS/DLNA solution as well

  • YES, I'm still a ripper, but I use another NAS/DLNA solution instead

  • YES, I'm still a ripper, but I just store the files on my PCs, copying to devices as needed

  • NO, but I have some ripped files from the past, but I don't rip any more

  • NO, no reason, I stream, doesn't everyone (other than narcissistic UCFBS it seems)?

  • HUH? What's a DVD?

  • Other (please post)


Results are only viewable after voting.

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

OT: Open Positions, IT- BAs, PMs, QA and Developers

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.

***UCF moves into top group for Rockledge OL Bryce Lovett***

u5kw1b5dl4j8zqwewxpq


Rockledge (Fla.) offensive tackle Bryce Lovett came away incredibly impressed following his first visit to UCF on Tuesday.

"Coach (Herb) Hand came down to the school in January before the dead period," Lovett said. "He offered me and we've been talking ever since then."

With Brevard County on spring break, Lovett made the trip down Highway 50 to see the Knight's first spring practice.

"I liked the practice," Lovett said. "They were always moving around. It's fast paced. I watched the o-line most of the time, then I watched the d-line a little bit to see what I'd be going against. After that we we did a photo shoot. We took a tour of the facilities and chilled in the players lounge a little bit, then I went to talk to Coach Hand and the head coach, Coach (Gus) Malzahn."

Meeting Malzahn was definitely a highlight.

"I liked the whole thing, but the best part was probably talking to the head coach," Lovett said. "He knows a lot of the players I've played with. I have a friend (Ladarius Tennison) who played for him. It was cool talking to him and just hanging out with everyone."

What was Malzahn's message to him?

"They like to recruit in-state in Florida and keep guys home," Lovett said. "They're building something special. They're going to the Big 12 season after next. He was telling me the plan and it sounded pretty good."

dn8c3tg8rvvqa76iwbeh


Hand told Lovett he'd be a great fit on UCF's line.

"He always talks about my length, my fast feet and how I can move well as well as my hands," Lovett said.

What stands out the most about UCF?

"They're a big family," Lovett said. "There's a lot of schools that have good relationships, but I feel everybody there is super close. You can definitely tell they love each other and love working together."

Lovett now is putting UCF into his top group.

"I don't have a set list," Lovett said. "My top five, not in order, is Arkansas, Missouri, UF, Louisville and Iowa State. After today, UCF is up there too."

Lovett visited Arkansas a couple weeks ago and plans to visit Florida again soon, either March 19 or 26. He is set to see Iowa State in early April. He's trying to arrange visits to Missouri and Louisville.

"I'm mainly just looking for good education and a chance to go to the NFL," Lovett said.

He said he'd probably have a decision in late June after taking his visits.

Login to view embedded media Login to view embedded media

***UCF Spring Practice Photo Gallery (March 15) 📷***

I was concentrating on shooting video, but did snap a few photos in between.

Firstly, a few of the recruits in attendance.


DT Terry Simmons Jr. and LB Troy Ford Jr. from Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day.

IMG_0049.jpg

IMG_0068.jpg

IMG_0234.jpg

IMG_0098.jpg

Sanford Seminole OL Josiah Chenault:

IMG_0111.jpg

IMG_0282.jpg

A bigger group of Seminole players. Goldie Lawrence is leaning against the goal post.

IMG_0219.jpg

Boone kicker Grant Reddick.

IMG_0194.jpg

2024 CB Kaleb Beasley from Nashville.

IMG_0208.jpg

OL Bryce Lovett from Rockledge.

IMG_0302.jpg
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT