UCF returns only one linebacker with significant experience (Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste), but defensive coordinator Travis Williams isn't worried.
"They will be ready. I promise you by the time we play the first game, we will be fine," Williams said.
Here's a recap of T-Will's first media availability of spring practice, following UCF's second workout:
T-Will said the focus of spring is teaching effort, getting to the ball, working on leverage in regards to tackling and also communication.
"From the naked eye, I thought it was a solid day."
Asked about early standouts, T-Will name-dropped DE Josh Celiscar. "Just his effort and getting to the ball." Then also mentioned DT Ricky Barber and LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste. He added they'll know a lot more on Saturday when they put the pads on.
He said the first day of spring this year vs. last year is obviously "totally different." He thought a few guys "stepped up their level" in the second level.
I asked about leadership on the defensive side. "We've got Anthony Montalvo, Ricky Barber, Josh Celiscar, Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Davonte Brown, Newt (Divaad Wilson). You have a nucleus of guys trying to take the bull by the horn and lead the right way."
T-Will added there's a difference between influence and leadership. Guys with "influence" don't always take you down the right path.
On Ricky Barber, T-Will wants to see him continue to develop under DT coach Kenny Martin. "Ricky was banged up a lot last year. I don't think we've seen close to what Ricky can be. I'm excited to see a healthy Ricky Barber this year."
Asked whether UCF's defense will be "scary good," quoting Davonte Brown, T-Will said he hopes he's right. "I think what he's saying is everybody is understanding what they're doing. Also the standard being the standard. That starts with coaches and also players. I'm glad he said that. I hope he's right."
Asked about transfers, T-Will said DB Koby Perry is showing tremendous effort. "He walks in the room and he's gonna be the one who's talking. He's the loudest guy in the room. Very confident, which is awesome."
Then he mentioned DT Lee Hunter and DB Nikai Martinez. "For us, it's getting the guys in the right seat. Very encouraged by the guys we brought in."
He wants players to "get to the ball with bad intentions."
I asked about the lack of depth at linebacker. Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste is the only returning player with significant game experience.
"It's critical. A lot of the guys have to grow up and be ready to play. I thought the first two days were really good. If you go back to last year when we first got here, what was the worst position everybody was saying? They said linebacker. I heard it. I read it. I get it. That's why they call me coach. I've got to get them ready. They will be ready. I promise you by the time we play the first game, we will be fine. I'm not worried about it. We've got the right guys in the room. We've just got to get them ready. It's a development sport."
Jason Beede asked whether they would continue to look in the transfer portal for linebackers (UCF just offered an FCS LB earlier this week).
"I don't know. My job is to develop. We'll see. We go to the portal to get the best players for a need. We'll see."
I asked whether guys like Quade Mosier, Cole Joyce or Kadeem Leonard are ready to take the next step.
"All three of those guys are doing great. Terrence Lewis is doing great. He's still hobbling with the injury he's rehabbing. We're watching the things he does as far as the contact part of it. He's getting reps. We have enough guys. We just have to get them enough reps even if we're rotating guys. We'll see."
I asked him to expand on Terrence Lewis, who is the former five-star recruit who transferred in after redshirting at Maryland last year. He confirmed he would be limited for the entirety of spring.
"You can see he can really change direction. He's very explosive. He's a student of the game. He's always in the office trying to learn the playbook and different things like that. When he's not out there, he has a play script and he's going over each play. Just trying to be a pro when he's on the sideline. I liked his preparation and his progress on and off the field. We've got to continue to bring him along and we'll be fine."
The reason he was holding up some hand sanitizer is because of the green color as it is St. Patrick's Day.
