As you all know, practices this year have been closed to fans and media. That doesn't change anything for me - I still go over there every day to catch a player or coach for an interview but it's hard to get a grasp on what's actually taking place. So as far as who's looking good (or bad), what's the depth chart looking like, who's making plays, etc. - I really don't know for certain if I can't witness it myself. However, I do keep my ear close to the ground. I wish I had more to offer, but here's a general breakdown of things I've heard, mostly side comments from players and coaches.
Quarterbacks
The most common buzz is a whole lot of "Justin Holman is looking really, really good" comments. GOL himself has said in interviews that he's seen a remarkable improvement from last season, saying he's no longer "Nolan Ryan" out there. He's become more of a leader.
On the backups - Tyler Harris and Bo Schneider - hearing the most buzz about Schneider, that's it's becoming more and more apparent he's clearly the better of the two quarterbacks. Early on, I was told Schneider carries a lot a confidence for a freshman, something that's quite noticeable. I know they are working to correct some mechanic stuff with Bo - stuff with his release and also with him taking snaps under center. Like many QBs coming out of high school, Bo has never taken an under-center snap.
UCF is expected to add a fourth QB, a walk-on named Sean Pratt, sometime this week after everything clears with compliance. Former St. Thomas Aquinas QB Jake Rizzo was supposed to be here, but not sure what happened. I heard he came for summer school, but then fizzled out, not sure if he quit, decided to transfer elsewhere (I think he had lower-division offers) or what.
Running Backs
Not a whole lot of info - Stanback is still the No. 1, obviously. Dontravious Wilson early on was in a yellow jersey. Assuming that's still the 1 and 2. GOL hasn't said much about the running backs this camp. I know he was high on Taj McGowan during spring, and C.J. Jones also had been doing some good things.
Offensive Line
When camp started, this was the first team: LT Aaron Evans, LG Tarik Cook, C Joey Grant, RG Chavis Dickey and RT Wyatt Miller. Miller got banged up recently so he's been in a yellow jersey, but I've heard the injury isn't serious and he should return for FIU. In his place, true freshman Tyler Hudanick has been running first team right tackle. That's pretty remarkable, and shows that he's likely in line to play some sort of on-field role this season even if Miller does get healthy.
Wide Receivers
Just based on the buzz, Tre'Quan Smith will be UCF's No. 1 WR this year in terms of receptions, IMO. Hearing really good things about him. The "top group" appears to be Smith, Jordan Akins, Tristan Payton, Chris Davis and Nick Patti. UCF will travel with a minimum of six receivers and maybe seven if the seventh can contribute on special teams. GOL said the freshmen have "hit a wall" but with the numbers the way they are at least two of them have to play. Taylor Oldham hurt his ankle in the spring game and won't return until October at the earliest, and even then it's a question mark of how he can contribute since it will have been a long time since he played.
Tight Ends, H-Backs
Not a lot of info - Brent Key certainly didn't divulge much in his interview. TE Kevin Miller opted not to return to the team, leaving Cal Bloom and Michael Campbell to contend there. When asked recently, GOL sort of deferred and talked about "personnel groupings" meaning they could alter formations to not include a tight end if they weren't satisfied with the talent there. At H-Back/Fullback, Joseph Puopolo has been nursing an injury this camp but should return early in the season. Cedric Thompson I assume would be there. Haven't heard much about Mario Mathis or Aaron Cochran.
Defensive Line
As expected, said to be the best overall unit on the team even without the services of DT Demetris Anderson who tore his ACL during the offseason. DT Jamiyus Pittman is "unstoppable" according to observers. Was a promising player a season ago and has really turned it up a notch. Really exciting to have such a promising inside player that's only a sophomore. Lance McDowdell has also improved a lot since last year - he did have a back injury in 2014 that held him back. Tony Guerad likely the third DT.
At defensive end, the top four appears to be Thomas Niles, Luke Adams, Monte Taylor and Titus Davis if commentary is correct.
Linebackers
A few days ago, GOL said the only linebacker who has solidified a starting spot was Chequan Burkett at SAM. Bresnahan has been rotating players in and out to find the best combination, giving competitors ample opportunity to play with the ones. Players in that mix have included Errol Clarke, Domenic Spencer, Mark Rucker, Maurice Russell, Demeitre Brim and Quintin Hampton. I'm sure there are others too, maybe freshmen other than Hampton. When camp started, Spencer was No. 1 MLB and Clarke was No. 1 Will. Not sure where that depth chart stands - I think that's sort of what the coaches want, not let players get too comfortable in order to keep the competition high.
Secondary
When camp started, the first team CBs were Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings and the safeties were Jordan Franks (free) and Drico Johnson (strong). Iowa State transfer T.J. Mutcherson has a background playing safety and at first competed there, then moved to cornerback to see what he could do. GOL admitted yesterday that he's probably better suited at safety though he could play corner. GOL was also quick to change the subject when asked about the secondary. A couple people have said Tre Neal has had a good camp at safety. Haven't heard any buzz on the freshmen lately.
Kickers
Hearing good things about both Matt Wright and Donald "Legatron" Delahaye. Delahaye has a monster leg - could see him being a specialist for long field goals. From what I've seen in pre-practice, Wright has looked pretty consistent himself. GOL likes placement on kickoffs instead of touchbacks, so not sure if Delahaye has that down (if UCF wanted a touchback every time Delahaye can do that).
Punters
Assuming it's still Caleb Houston with Mac Loudermilk backing him up.
Returners
At punt return, I have seen Chris Davis, Mike Rogers, Tristan Payton, Nevelle Clarke and Hayden Jones. Not sure if there's a leader. GOL said that hadn't been established. Kick return would be when practices are closed.
Visitors at Practice
Former OL Chris Martin was there yesterday. Former OL Phil Smith a couple days ago. I also saw OL signee Luke Hiers there over the weekend. He underwent shoulder surgery in the spring so he'll grayshirt and enroll in January.
Quarterbacks
The most common buzz is a whole lot of "Justin Holman is looking really, really good" comments. GOL himself has said in interviews that he's seen a remarkable improvement from last season, saying he's no longer "Nolan Ryan" out there. He's become more of a leader.
On the backups - Tyler Harris and Bo Schneider - hearing the most buzz about Schneider, that's it's becoming more and more apparent he's clearly the better of the two quarterbacks. Early on, I was told Schneider carries a lot a confidence for a freshman, something that's quite noticeable. I know they are working to correct some mechanic stuff with Bo - stuff with his release and also with him taking snaps under center. Like many QBs coming out of high school, Bo has never taken an under-center snap.
UCF is expected to add a fourth QB, a walk-on named Sean Pratt, sometime this week after everything clears with compliance. Former St. Thomas Aquinas QB Jake Rizzo was supposed to be here, but not sure what happened. I heard he came for summer school, but then fizzled out, not sure if he quit, decided to transfer elsewhere (I think he had lower-division offers) or what.
Running Backs
Not a whole lot of info - Stanback is still the No. 1, obviously. Dontravious Wilson early on was in a yellow jersey. Assuming that's still the 1 and 2. GOL hasn't said much about the running backs this camp. I know he was high on Taj McGowan during spring, and C.J. Jones also had been doing some good things.
Offensive Line
When camp started, this was the first team: LT Aaron Evans, LG Tarik Cook, C Joey Grant, RG Chavis Dickey and RT Wyatt Miller. Miller got banged up recently so he's been in a yellow jersey, but I've heard the injury isn't serious and he should return for FIU. In his place, true freshman Tyler Hudanick has been running first team right tackle. That's pretty remarkable, and shows that he's likely in line to play some sort of on-field role this season even if Miller does get healthy.
Wide Receivers
Just based on the buzz, Tre'Quan Smith will be UCF's No. 1 WR this year in terms of receptions, IMO. Hearing really good things about him. The "top group" appears to be Smith, Jordan Akins, Tristan Payton, Chris Davis and Nick Patti. UCF will travel with a minimum of six receivers and maybe seven if the seventh can contribute on special teams. GOL said the freshmen have "hit a wall" but with the numbers the way they are at least two of them have to play. Taylor Oldham hurt his ankle in the spring game and won't return until October at the earliest, and even then it's a question mark of how he can contribute since it will have been a long time since he played.
Tight Ends, H-Backs
Not a lot of info - Brent Key certainly didn't divulge much in his interview. TE Kevin Miller opted not to return to the team, leaving Cal Bloom and Michael Campbell to contend there. When asked recently, GOL sort of deferred and talked about "personnel groupings" meaning they could alter formations to not include a tight end if they weren't satisfied with the talent there. At H-Back/Fullback, Joseph Puopolo has been nursing an injury this camp but should return early in the season. Cedric Thompson I assume would be there. Haven't heard much about Mario Mathis or Aaron Cochran.
Defensive Line
As expected, said to be the best overall unit on the team even without the services of DT Demetris Anderson who tore his ACL during the offseason. DT Jamiyus Pittman is "unstoppable" according to observers. Was a promising player a season ago and has really turned it up a notch. Really exciting to have such a promising inside player that's only a sophomore. Lance McDowdell has also improved a lot since last year - he did have a back injury in 2014 that held him back. Tony Guerad likely the third DT.
At defensive end, the top four appears to be Thomas Niles, Luke Adams, Monte Taylor and Titus Davis if commentary is correct.
Linebackers
A few days ago, GOL said the only linebacker who has solidified a starting spot was Chequan Burkett at SAM. Bresnahan has been rotating players in and out to find the best combination, giving competitors ample opportunity to play with the ones. Players in that mix have included Errol Clarke, Domenic Spencer, Mark Rucker, Maurice Russell, Demeitre Brim and Quintin Hampton. I'm sure there are others too, maybe freshmen other than Hampton. When camp started, Spencer was No. 1 MLB and Clarke was No. 1 Will. Not sure where that depth chart stands - I think that's sort of what the coaches want, not let players get too comfortable in order to keep the competition high.
Secondary
When camp started, the first team CBs were Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings and the safeties were Jordan Franks (free) and Drico Johnson (strong). Iowa State transfer T.J. Mutcherson has a background playing safety and at first competed there, then moved to cornerback to see what he could do. GOL admitted yesterday that he's probably better suited at safety though he could play corner. GOL was also quick to change the subject when asked about the secondary. A couple people have said Tre Neal has had a good camp at safety. Haven't heard any buzz on the freshmen lately.
Kickers
Hearing good things about both Matt Wright and Donald "Legatron" Delahaye. Delahaye has a monster leg - could see him being a specialist for long field goals. From what I've seen in pre-practice, Wright has looked pretty consistent himself. GOL likes placement on kickoffs instead of touchbacks, so not sure if Delahaye has that down (if UCF wanted a touchback every time Delahaye can do that).
Punters
Assuming it's still Caleb Houston with Mac Loudermilk backing him up.
Returners
At punt return, I have seen Chris Davis, Mike Rogers, Tristan Payton, Nevelle Clarke and Hayden Jones. Not sure if there's a leader. GOL said that hadn't been established. Kick return would be when practices are closed.
Visitors at Practice
Former OL Chris Martin was there yesterday. Former OL Phil Smith a couple days ago. I also saw OL signee Luke Hiers there over the weekend. He underwent shoulder surgery in the spring so he'll grayshirt and enroll in January.
