Early last week, I posted a breakdown by position with known info including rumors and buzz about how certain players were performing. That's the best I could do since all preseason practices had been closed.
UCF did open one "practice" though it's generous to label it as such. It was "workout" prior to Friday's Fan Fest. It consisted of one hour in just shorts and jerseys (no pads of any kind). All one could really glean was depth chart information. It really was interesting how UCF went from the most open school in the nation in terms of practice accessibility to one of the most restrictive.
There's not a whole lot of new information to report, just a breakdown of where I think things are leading into the season. Daily availability has now ended - the next opportunity for interviews will be Thursday and Friday to preview FIU, then the following Monday is the game week press conference. I have Saturday interviews with Shaquill Griffin, Mark Rucker and Justin Holman I'll be posting early this week.
As for practice, UCF had Sunday off and could potentially have Monday off, since I know in some years GOL has given players off on the first day of classes. However, that may or may not be the case, I hadn't heard. I'm told FIU "game week" in terms of working on a game plan and splitting into "travel" and "scout" teams would take place on Wednesday.
Quarterbacks
Without seeing practices, I'd really like to know just how much Justin Holman has improved. With Blake Bortles, you always saw his big arm and the potential in his early years but it was quite remarkable to see the things he was doing in the 2013 preseason. I thought, based on that preseason, UCF had the chance to have a really special season.
That said, Holman is the least of my concerns on offense. He had a pretty good year for a first-time starter in 2014 so there's no reason to think he won't take a big jump this season.
For the backup job, it was still officially Tyler Harris as No. 2 on Friday. As I said last week, there's been a lot of chatter about Bo Schneider and the fact he really is pushing Harris to be named backup. GOL didn't necessarily disagree when I asked him last week, but chose his words carefully.
"We haven't made any decisions yet," O'Leary said. "I think Bo is playing extremely well for a freshman. A very skilled kid as far as learns from his mistakes. All three quarterbacks have had their ups and downs each day. I think it's consistency you're looking for at that position that's really important."
Unless something happens to Holman, I don't think they really want to play a true freshman for what amounts to garbage time so I think there's a chance no depth chart change occurs even if Schneider is considered to be the more promising prospect.
Running Backs
Will Stanback and Dontravious Wilson did not participate in the open Friday practice. GOL has referred several times to displeasure with the running backs and their tolerance for pain, saying this on Thursday:
"There's five of them. I've been rotating them all. You can't make the team in the tub. There's too many injuries right now at those positions. They have to learn to play through some pain. That's part of the game. Every day you can't have something wrong with you. Some guys got to grow up a little bit. That's part of maturity and growing up. Hopefully the light comes on for some of them."
In Stanback and Wilson's absence, Taj McGowan was first team RB that day. Based on that and other chatter, I do think McGowan is poised to play a major role this season. For Stanback, it's just a matter of being healthy. You just wonder how durable he is.
Offensive Line
GOL never went into a lot of specifics regarding the OL this camp, other than on Media Day saying they should be a lot better with more experience and another offseason in the weight room.
Center Joey Grant missed spring recovering from shoulder surgery but appears to back to his old self or at least very close to it, based on chatter. Brent Key complimented Aaron Evans at left tackle, and noted Wyatt Miller had done some nice things to warrant beginning camp at right tackle. However, Miller tweaked something a week or so ago (was told it was minor) and a true freshman - Tyler Hudanick - got the bump to first team. Someone said, "He's going to be a special player."
Tarik Cook, another fifth-year player like Joey, has been playing left guard. At right guard, Chavis Dickey began camp as No. 1 but recently was replaced by Chester Brown. That's an interesting development. Dickey I know began camp not 100 percent (illness) but one would think he would eventually reclaim that top spot.
Offensively, this is my No. 1 concern. You'd like more experience in the WR corps, but if the offensive line can't give Holman time or consistently create running lanes it's going to be a long season. And if the DL is as good as advertised (more on them below), I'm guessing the OL hasn't had a pleasant preseason.
Wide Receivers
Even though he's never played, I believe Tre'Quan Smith is the real deal - he will lead UCF in receptions, IMO. Jordan Akins looks like a man among boys out there. Very confident in those two. The rest of the projected travel team will be a walk-on (Chris Johnson), former quarterback (Nick Patti) and true freshmen (Tristan Payton, Cam Stewart and/or D'erren Wilson).
If you saw the thread I posted on Saturday night, freshman Chris Davis has decided to leave the program. He had been in the mix for a travel team spot, so it's quite the surprise. Just based on available numbers and knowing there's always the chance of a player leaving or getting injured, I really think UCF wanted to sign an additional player there in this past recruiting class (Kahlil Lewis or Emonee Spence). Unfortunately that didn't happen.
Chris Johnson came out of nowhere. I didn't hear one iota about him at the beginning of camp. Sean Beckton didn't mention him in an interview, though he wasn't asked about him either. Cedric Thompson name-dropped him and my first thought was that he was plugging his roommate, but when the WRs lined up on Friday it was Chris Johnson in that first team group.
Johnson has been here for a few years and has always looked pretty solid. It's not a complete shock.
Speaking of Cedric Thompson, he mentioned in his interview he is playing some Y so he could get some balls thrown his way.
Nick Patti is "catching everything" people have said, including GOL. Looks like a slot.
Tristan Payton generated the most early buzz among the freshmen, though GOL said a lot over the last week or so that the freshmen have "hit a wall."
Tight Ends, H-Backs
Probably the least known about this group. I'm assuming Cal Bloom is holding on to the starting TE position, based on Thursday. FB/HB Joseph Puopolo missed camp with an injury, though it's said he could return early in the season. Cedric Thompson has said his role has expanded, whether it's H-Back or Y.
Defensive Line
As I said in the initial thread, probably should be the best unit on the team. In his interview, Coach Zo seemed incredibly pleased with their progress and he's typically a straight-shooter. Other players have commented how well the DL has been playing. Jamiyus Pittman and Lance McDowdell at DT were the most improved players on the line, Zo said. Tony Guerad has also had a great camp, he's right behind those two as the third rotation option, then Joey Connors. Thomas Niles and Luke Adams seem solid at DE. The backup DEs, according to Zo, have been Titus Davis, Monte Taylor and Seyvon Lowry. He was particularly complimentary about Titus.
Linebackers
From what we heard, and what from Chuck Bresnahan indicated after the first week of camp, they gave everyone an equal opportunity. They mixed up the depth chart almost daily and bumped up guys to the first team to see how they played. If Friday is an accurate indication, the resulting first team came to be Domenic Spencer (middle), Chequan Burkett (sam) and Mark Rucker (will). About a week earlier, GOL had mentioned Burkett was the only one who had solidified a spot. Spencer has been the most consistent name at that mike spot. If Rucker has beat out Errol Clarke, that's the biggest surprise. I did catch up with Rucker on Saturday so he did offer a little bit of insight into the competition.
On the second team, it was Maurice Russell, Demeitre Brim and Errol Clarke. I couldn't read my notes right whether it was Russell or Brim at middle linebacker, though I think it was Russell. At one point before spring, GOL mentioned that he thought Brim had a great shot to replace Terrance Plummer at middle linebacker.
One of the most interesting things from Thursday was the revelation that Jordan Franks, who spent nearly all of camp as a first team safety, was moved back to linebacker. He was with the third team. Mark Rucker confirmed the move in his interview on Saturday, mentioning it in passing.
Justin McDonald didn't appear to be in the prominent mix, but at some point he suffered a lower-body injury. I did not see him at Fan Day, but others indicated he was at the Kickoff Luncheon on crutches.
Quintin Hampton generated early praise among the freshmen, but I would suspect he and other freshman linebackers will redshirt if they're not among the two-deep.
Secondary
Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings began camp as the first team corners and seem to have held on to those spots. I did speak with Shaquill on Saturday. I know last year there was always the prevailing thought that Kyle Gibson and Chris Williams could potentially overtake them. I recall towards the end of spring, Williams replaced Killings on the first team. Of course Williams is not with the team this season as he's on a "medical leave of absence" after getting shot at King Tut's Lounge a couple weeks prior to camp.
The backup corners on Friday were Kyle Gibson and Jeremy Boykins, a walk-on from JUCO.
As I noted above with Franks, the first team safety reveal was a bit of a surprise. Drico Johnson was still there, but the other safety looked to be Jerod Boykins, the twin brother of Jeremy Boykins (who is playing backup CB). I know when camp started, I was impressed by the look of #48 - he just seemed built like a safety - and knew he wasn't listed on available roster at the time. Brian Ormiston, the SID, later said his name was "Boykins" and he was a walk-on. 6-3, 213 according to his bio.
Anyway, both the Boykins brothers (fraternal twins) attended Oakleaf High School in Orange Park near Jacksonville and both attended JUCO at Georgia Military College.
I haven't had an opportunity to ask any coach about the surge of the Boykins brothers. GOL didn't talk to the media on Saturday and wasn't available after Friday's practice either. Here's HUDL highlights of Jarod Boykins at Georgia Military.
The backup safeties on Friday were Shaquem Griffin and T.J. Mutcherson, the Iowa State transfer.
Pretty interesting that UCF has two pairs of twins in the secondary two-deep.
UCF brought in several freshmen defensive backs, but none appear to be cracking the two-deep. I know there was a thought Mike Rogers had the chance to do so.
Kickers
There's a nice battle taking place between Matt Wright and Donald Delahaye at kicker. I believe Matt Wright will be the kicker on most field goals and PATs. Delahaye could potentially earn a kickoff job, though Wright's leg appears stronger than it was last year. People have said he can consistently get it in the corner too, though Delahaye could kick it out of the back of the end zone if he wanted. With touchbacks now at the 25 yard line, you probably want it placed at a spot that guarantees a return so you'd have a chance of downing inside the 20.
Caleb Houston has held on to the starting punting job. Mac Loudermilk is backup.
Return Specialists
Chris Davis' departure throws a wrench into punt returns. He was there in the spring and I think may have still been No. 1. On Friday, Blake Tiralosi lined up to catch punts during the one drill they did.
Kick returner is somewhat of a mystery, though Jordan Akins handled those duties for a time last year so he could be an option. He should have scored in Ireland had he not turned his head around.
Depth Chart
As long as FIU releases their depth chart at the same time, UCF will officially release theirs sometime next weekend, maybe Sunday. Here's my best guess... it's either a two-deep or in order of how I think they rank in terms of a few of the offensive positions.
Quarterback: Justin Holman, Tyler Harris or Bo Schneider
Running Back: Will Stanback, Taj McGowan, Dontravious Wilson (if healthy), C.J. Jones, Michael Willett
Wide Receiver: Tre'Quan Smith, Jordan Akins, Chris Johnson, Nick Patti, Tristan Payton, Cam Stewart, D'erren Wilson
First OL: Aaron Evans (LT), Tarik Cook (LG), Joey Grant (C), Chavis Dickey (RG), Wyatt Miller (RT, if healthy).
Second OL: Luke Palmer (LT), Colby Watson (LG), Jason Rae (C), Chester Brown (RG) and Tyler Hudanick (RT).
Tight End: Cal Bloom, Michael Campbell
H-Back: Cedric Thompson, Mario Mathis, Aaron Cochran
First DL: Thomas Niles (DE), Luke Adams (DE), Jamiyus Pittman (DT), Lance McDowdell (DT)
Second DL: Titus Davis (DE), Monte Taylor (DE), Tony Guerad (DT), Joey Connors (DT).
First LB: Domenic Spencer, Chequan Burkett, Mark Rucker
Second LB: Maurice Russell, Demeitre Brim, Errol Clarke
First CB: Shaquill Griffin, D.J. Killings
Second CB: Kyle Gibson, Jeremy Boykins
First S: Drico Johnson, Jared Boykins
Second S: Shaquem Griffin, T.J. Mutcherson
Kicker: Matt Wright, Donald Delahaye
Punter: Caleb Houston, Mac Loudermilk
PR: Blake Tiralosi
KR: Jordan Akins
UCF did open one "practice" though it's generous to label it as such. It was "workout" prior to Friday's Fan Fest. It consisted of one hour in just shorts and jerseys (no pads of any kind). All one could really glean was depth chart information. It really was interesting how UCF went from the most open school in the nation in terms of practice accessibility to one of the most restrictive.
There's not a whole lot of new information to report, just a breakdown of where I think things are leading into the season. Daily availability has now ended - the next opportunity for interviews will be Thursday and Friday to preview FIU, then the following Monday is the game week press conference. I have Saturday interviews with Shaquill Griffin, Mark Rucker and Justin Holman I'll be posting early this week.
As for practice, UCF had Sunday off and could potentially have Monday off, since I know in some years GOL has given players off on the first day of classes. However, that may or may not be the case, I hadn't heard. I'm told FIU "game week" in terms of working on a game plan and splitting into "travel" and "scout" teams would take place on Wednesday.
Quarterbacks
Without seeing practices, I'd really like to know just how much Justin Holman has improved. With Blake Bortles, you always saw his big arm and the potential in his early years but it was quite remarkable to see the things he was doing in the 2013 preseason. I thought, based on that preseason, UCF had the chance to have a really special season.
That said, Holman is the least of my concerns on offense. He had a pretty good year for a first-time starter in 2014 so there's no reason to think he won't take a big jump this season.
For the backup job, it was still officially Tyler Harris as No. 2 on Friday. As I said last week, there's been a lot of chatter about Bo Schneider and the fact he really is pushing Harris to be named backup. GOL didn't necessarily disagree when I asked him last week, but chose his words carefully.
"We haven't made any decisions yet," O'Leary said. "I think Bo is playing extremely well for a freshman. A very skilled kid as far as learns from his mistakes. All three quarterbacks have had their ups and downs each day. I think it's consistency you're looking for at that position that's really important."
Unless something happens to Holman, I don't think they really want to play a true freshman for what amounts to garbage time so I think there's a chance no depth chart change occurs even if Schneider is considered to be the more promising prospect.
Running Backs
Will Stanback and Dontravious Wilson did not participate in the open Friday practice. GOL has referred several times to displeasure with the running backs and their tolerance for pain, saying this on Thursday:
"There's five of them. I've been rotating them all. You can't make the team in the tub. There's too many injuries right now at those positions. They have to learn to play through some pain. That's part of the game. Every day you can't have something wrong with you. Some guys got to grow up a little bit. That's part of maturity and growing up. Hopefully the light comes on for some of them."
In Stanback and Wilson's absence, Taj McGowan was first team RB that day. Based on that and other chatter, I do think McGowan is poised to play a major role this season. For Stanback, it's just a matter of being healthy. You just wonder how durable he is.
Offensive Line
GOL never went into a lot of specifics regarding the OL this camp, other than on Media Day saying they should be a lot better with more experience and another offseason in the weight room.
Center Joey Grant missed spring recovering from shoulder surgery but appears to back to his old self or at least very close to it, based on chatter. Brent Key complimented Aaron Evans at left tackle, and noted Wyatt Miller had done some nice things to warrant beginning camp at right tackle. However, Miller tweaked something a week or so ago (was told it was minor) and a true freshman - Tyler Hudanick - got the bump to first team. Someone said, "He's going to be a special player."
Tarik Cook, another fifth-year player like Joey, has been playing left guard. At right guard, Chavis Dickey began camp as No. 1 but recently was replaced by Chester Brown. That's an interesting development. Dickey I know began camp not 100 percent (illness) but one would think he would eventually reclaim that top spot.
Offensively, this is my No. 1 concern. You'd like more experience in the WR corps, but if the offensive line can't give Holman time or consistently create running lanes it's going to be a long season. And if the DL is as good as advertised (more on them below), I'm guessing the OL hasn't had a pleasant preseason.
Wide Receivers
Even though he's never played, I believe Tre'Quan Smith is the real deal - he will lead UCF in receptions, IMO. Jordan Akins looks like a man among boys out there. Very confident in those two. The rest of the projected travel team will be a walk-on (Chris Johnson), former quarterback (Nick Patti) and true freshmen (Tristan Payton, Cam Stewart and/or D'erren Wilson).
If you saw the thread I posted on Saturday night, freshman Chris Davis has decided to leave the program. He had been in the mix for a travel team spot, so it's quite the surprise. Just based on available numbers and knowing there's always the chance of a player leaving or getting injured, I really think UCF wanted to sign an additional player there in this past recruiting class (Kahlil Lewis or Emonee Spence). Unfortunately that didn't happen.
Chris Johnson came out of nowhere. I didn't hear one iota about him at the beginning of camp. Sean Beckton didn't mention him in an interview, though he wasn't asked about him either. Cedric Thompson name-dropped him and my first thought was that he was plugging his roommate, but when the WRs lined up on Friday it was Chris Johnson in that first team group.
Johnson has been here for a few years and has always looked pretty solid. It's not a complete shock.
Speaking of Cedric Thompson, he mentioned in his interview he is playing some Y so he could get some balls thrown his way.
Nick Patti is "catching everything" people have said, including GOL. Looks like a slot.
Tristan Payton generated the most early buzz among the freshmen, though GOL said a lot over the last week or so that the freshmen have "hit a wall."
Tight Ends, H-Backs
Probably the least known about this group. I'm assuming Cal Bloom is holding on to the starting TE position, based on Thursday. FB/HB Joseph Puopolo missed camp with an injury, though it's said he could return early in the season. Cedric Thompson has said his role has expanded, whether it's H-Back or Y.
Defensive Line
As I said in the initial thread, probably should be the best unit on the team. In his interview, Coach Zo seemed incredibly pleased with their progress and he's typically a straight-shooter. Other players have commented how well the DL has been playing. Jamiyus Pittman and Lance McDowdell at DT were the most improved players on the line, Zo said. Tony Guerad has also had a great camp, he's right behind those two as the third rotation option, then Joey Connors. Thomas Niles and Luke Adams seem solid at DE. The backup DEs, according to Zo, have been Titus Davis, Monte Taylor and Seyvon Lowry. He was particularly complimentary about Titus.
Linebackers
From what we heard, and what from Chuck Bresnahan indicated after the first week of camp, they gave everyone an equal opportunity. They mixed up the depth chart almost daily and bumped up guys to the first team to see how they played. If Friday is an accurate indication, the resulting first team came to be Domenic Spencer (middle), Chequan Burkett (sam) and Mark Rucker (will). About a week earlier, GOL had mentioned Burkett was the only one who had solidified a spot. Spencer has been the most consistent name at that mike spot. If Rucker has beat out Errol Clarke, that's the biggest surprise. I did catch up with Rucker on Saturday so he did offer a little bit of insight into the competition.
On the second team, it was Maurice Russell, Demeitre Brim and Errol Clarke. I couldn't read my notes right whether it was Russell or Brim at middle linebacker, though I think it was Russell. At one point before spring, GOL mentioned that he thought Brim had a great shot to replace Terrance Plummer at middle linebacker.
One of the most interesting things from Thursday was the revelation that Jordan Franks, who spent nearly all of camp as a first team safety, was moved back to linebacker. He was with the third team. Mark Rucker confirmed the move in his interview on Saturday, mentioning it in passing.
Justin McDonald didn't appear to be in the prominent mix, but at some point he suffered a lower-body injury. I did not see him at Fan Day, but others indicated he was at the Kickoff Luncheon on crutches.
Quintin Hampton generated early praise among the freshmen, but I would suspect he and other freshman linebackers will redshirt if they're not among the two-deep.
Secondary
Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings began camp as the first team corners and seem to have held on to those spots. I did speak with Shaquill on Saturday. I know last year there was always the prevailing thought that Kyle Gibson and Chris Williams could potentially overtake them. I recall towards the end of spring, Williams replaced Killings on the first team. Of course Williams is not with the team this season as he's on a "medical leave of absence" after getting shot at King Tut's Lounge a couple weeks prior to camp.
The backup corners on Friday were Kyle Gibson and Jeremy Boykins, a walk-on from JUCO.
As I noted above with Franks, the first team safety reveal was a bit of a surprise. Drico Johnson was still there, but the other safety looked to be Jerod Boykins, the twin brother of Jeremy Boykins (who is playing backup CB). I know when camp started, I was impressed by the look of #48 - he just seemed built like a safety - and knew he wasn't listed on available roster at the time. Brian Ormiston, the SID, later said his name was "Boykins" and he was a walk-on. 6-3, 213 according to his bio.
Anyway, both the Boykins brothers (fraternal twins) attended Oakleaf High School in Orange Park near Jacksonville and both attended JUCO at Georgia Military College.
I haven't had an opportunity to ask any coach about the surge of the Boykins brothers. GOL didn't talk to the media on Saturday and wasn't available after Friday's practice either. Here's HUDL highlights of Jarod Boykins at Georgia Military.
The backup safeties on Friday were Shaquem Griffin and T.J. Mutcherson, the Iowa State transfer.
Pretty interesting that UCF has two pairs of twins in the secondary two-deep.
UCF brought in several freshmen defensive backs, but none appear to be cracking the two-deep. I know there was a thought Mike Rogers had the chance to do so.
Kickers
There's a nice battle taking place between Matt Wright and Donald Delahaye at kicker. I believe Matt Wright will be the kicker on most field goals and PATs. Delahaye could potentially earn a kickoff job, though Wright's leg appears stronger than it was last year. People have said he can consistently get it in the corner too, though Delahaye could kick it out of the back of the end zone if he wanted. With touchbacks now at the 25 yard line, you probably want it placed at a spot that guarantees a return so you'd have a chance of downing inside the 20.
Caleb Houston has held on to the starting punting job. Mac Loudermilk is backup.
Return Specialists
Chris Davis' departure throws a wrench into punt returns. He was there in the spring and I think may have still been No. 1. On Friday, Blake Tiralosi lined up to catch punts during the one drill they did.
Kick returner is somewhat of a mystery, though Jordan Akins handled those duties for a time last year so he could be an option. He should have scored in Ireland had he not turned his head around.
Depth Chart
As long as FIU releases their depth chart at the same time, UCF will officially release theirs sometime next weekend, maybe Sunday. Here's my best guess... it's either a two-deep or in order of how I think they rank in terms of a few of the offensive positions.
Quarterback: Justin Holman, Tyler Harris or Bo Schneider
Running Back: Will Stanback, Taj McGowan, Dontravious Wilson (if healthy), C.J. Jones, Michael Willett
Wide Receiver: Tre'Quan Smith, Jordan Akins, Chris Johnson, Nick Patti, Tristan Payton, Cam Stewart, D'erren Wilson
First OL: Aaron Evans (LT), Tarik Cook (LG), Joey Grant (C), Chavis Dickey (RG), Wyatt Miller (RT, if healthy).
Second OL: Luke Palmer (LT), Colby Watson (LG), Jason Rae (C), Chester Brown (RG) and Tyler Hudanick (RT).
Tight End: Cal Bloom, Michael Campbell
H-Back: Cedric Thompson, Mario Mathis, Aaron Cochran
First DL: Thomas Niles (DE), Luke Adams (DE), Jamiyus Pittman (DT), Lance McDowdell (DT)
Second DL: Titus Davis (DE), Monte Taylor (DE), Tony Guerad (DT), Joey Connors (DT).
First LB: Domenic Spencer, Chequan Burkett, Mark Rucker
Second LB: Maurice Russell, Demeitre Brim, Errol Clarke
First CB: Shaquill Griffin, D.J. Killings
Second CB: Kyle Gibson, Jeremy Boykins
First S: Drico Johnson, Jared Boykins
Second S: Shaquem Griffin, T.J. Mutcherson
Kicker: Matt Wright, Donald Delahaye
Punter: Caleb Houston, Mac Loudermilk
PR: Blake Tiralosi
KR: Jordan Akins
