With returning experience and impressive additions via the transfer portal, UCF center Matt Lee thinks they'll have what it takes to reclaim the top spot in the American. The Oviedo native spoke about their progress this spring and ended things by stating that team goal.
Matt thinks the offense won the scrimmage.
"It was a good battle back and forth like it is every time we go out there. I think we put together some good drives. I think the offense took the day."
Is there a play that sticks out?
"I think if there's one play that stood out, I think it was the first drive. Third play of the drive. John Rhys Plumlee pulled the ball, broke like two tackles in the backfield and busted for like an 80-yard touchdown run. That was super cool to see."
He added it was cool for the QBs to be live so plays like that could happen.
One of his biggest goals personally is to improve his overall football I.Q., not just for him on the offensive line but understanding the entire offense.
Both Sam Jackson and Lokahi Pauole have been practicing at center.
"Center is kind of different than guard and tackle. A little bit different with the ball in your hand and how your feet are set. It's been fun to give them tips and coaching them."
Matt said the relationships within the team are great.
Adrian Medley has really stepped up this spring, developing into a consistent starter-type player. Med-Ball is his nickname.
On Mikey Keene, his confidence shows.
"He's a natural leader. He comes out there and knows how to lead the team and get us going no matter what. It's great for me because I feel like I've got to be the leader of the offensive line, but you've got a guy like Mikey that I can rely on no matter what. He's got his stuff right."
He feels they have a great group of running backs.
How much better can the offense be this year?
"I think we can be really good, especially going into year two under Coach Malzahn's system. Just the understanding and the mentality behind how we run plays. I think we can be really good."
On Virginia OT transfer Ryan Swoboda: "He's been good. Still learning the system. We've been here for a year in this offense, but he just got here. Ryan has been great. Huge guy. He's like 6-foot-10, 325 pounds or whatever. He's that big, but he doesn't move like he's big. He moves like a smaller guy which I love to see."
Matt thinks the offense is evolving as well.
AAC championship is the team goal.
"It's hard to win a championship, but I think we got the guys. If we can continue to develop, I absolutely think we can win a conference championship."
