Jason Rae has once again stepped into the familiar role of UCF's starting center.
A season ago, Rae played in eight games at center to allow Joey Grant, who was dealing with shoulder issues, to slide over to guard. The younger brother of former center Jordan Rae was more than ready for the challenge, ultimately earning the team's Most Improved Player award for offense.
Grant attempted to give center another go this season and started the FIU game, but those shoulder issues forced the senior to hang up his cleats earlier this week.
Next man up was Rae, who was among the new starting lineup against Stanford last Saturday.
You're the center once again. You played there for most of last year. Joey Grant was the starter before you, had the shoulder issues last year, tried to give it a go this year and unfortunately it didn't work out. When did you find out last week that you moving back to No. 1 center?
"We knew during the week. We always take half the reps anyway just in case anything does happen. Last year I played in eight games, so I know what to do if my number was called. Got in the game and tried to make something happen."
You had a little different lineup on the line. You were at center, Wyatt Miller played his first game at tackle, Tarik Cook was shuffled around. Did you see some improvement from the first game?
"Yes. I think we improved as a unit. That's just our motto. We have to go out there every day and get better. Work on one thing, harp on the little things and just get better every day."
Justin Holman unfortunately gets hurts in that first series and here comes Bo Schneider. If you were running second team center, I'm sure you were working more with Bo lately.
"Everybody has got to be ready. During the week he was getting the reps. Not as many reps as Justin. He knew his time was going to come. He was going to step in and try to make plays."
He's only a true freshman, so that's pretty impressive for a true freshman to beat out a guy who has been there a year longer with him. Working with him as a center, what caught your eye during August that enabled him to step into that role?
"I think his work ethic. He comes in every day and is not a real loud guy, humble, quiet, keeps to himself. Just ready to work every day. He'll never complain about anything. He's always ready to go."
Were any words said? Those were pretty big stakes, coming in after the first series at Stanford.
"I just told him to relax. Just make it seem like we're in practice. Go make plays. He's worked hard for it. Just go make plays."
What's his personality like? You said he's not a real loud guy?
"He's a very humble guy. He's always looking to get everybody better. He's not negative or anything. A guy that we want as our starting quarterback."
What's the objective this week? You've got Furman at home. I know everyone on offense, you want to play better than you have and get that running game going.
"Just get better every day. Every day with what we're doing. Definitely the run game. Definitely protection wise. We want to make sure is on Bo or Tyler if he gets in. Protect and run."
Taj McGowan obviously got a lot of carries, his first time in a game just like Bo. It looks like he was able to do some things. What does Taj bring to the table?
"He's a one cut guy. He's fast. He'll hit the hole as hard as he can. He gets up field and gets as much yardage as he can. As a lineman, that's what you like. You don't like somebody who is dancing and stuff. You want someone to hit the hole and just go."
Seems like a while since the home opener after that long road trip. Excited to get back in Bright House this weekend?
"Excited to get back to our fans, our home crowd. Hopefully get a win."
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