Dyllon Lester, who will enter his fifth season at UCF, made his interview debut following Saturday's 11th practice of spring. Despite being in the regular secondary rotation for years, we've never talked to him.
Lester began by clarifying he's playing safety this spring, but he also has experience playing Knight (nickel).
"It's the second year in the system. It's going smooth. Everybody has been acclimated. It's way easier because it's the second year."
He said Coach David Gibbs and Coach Addison Williams are "great guys with a lot of energy" and "funny."
What was his favorite moment of last season?
"I'd probably say Boise State. It was the first game, a real intense close game. We had ups and downs and won at the end. I also got a pick."
He also had an interception in the Memphis game. I asked which one was his favorite, that one or the Boise pick.
"I'd probably say Boise State because it was more of a clutch moment I guess you could say."
Who's stood out to him this spring?
"On defense, I'd say Koby Perry. He flies around. He has a lot of energy on the field. He's everywhere. I'd say William Wells has been stepping up as well. On offense, I'd say Kobe Hudson and Jaylon Griffin. They've been making good catches."
Lester said the wide receivers are real competitive with guys who can make plays. "They've been giving us a hard time."
Who won the scrimmage on Thursday?
"I'll say the defense won."
He thinks the defense can be really good this year, especially that it's the second year. "Everybody is used to the system now. It should be good."
What does this team want to accomplish?
"The goal is always to go undefeated and win a conference championship as well."
I asked about John Rhys Plumlee's long touchdown run in the scrimmage, noting the quarterbacks were live for the first time.
"It's definitely different when we're going live and we have a guy like that. You can see what he does for real instead of blowing the whistle. He's pretty fast."
He also complimented Marco Domio. He got an interception in the scrimmage.
