UCF's secondary executed a big turnaround in 2021, finishing seventh in the nation in pass efficiency defense while moving up 86 spots in passing yards allowed (121 to 35).
Cornerbacks coach Addison Williams, who coaches the secondary in tandem with co-defensive coordinator David Gibbs, caught up with the media following Tuesday's practice to talk about his group.
"It's been awesome. We've got a lot of guys coming back. We've added a few pieces, some high school, some transfer. We've been challenging them and they've been challenging each other. The biggest thing for the guys coming back is some of the install we're challenging them with. The new guys, we're sprinkling them in. We're trying to go old guy/new guy to help the younger guys and transfers pick up the system."
Koby Perry, who was an FCS All-American at Austin Peay, gives UCF experience and leadership from the safety spot.
"He plays with an edge. That's something we thought we needed in that room. We've got a lot of guys that work their tails on and off the field, but not a lot of vocal guys. Koby is one that's very vocal. You're going to feel his presence. I think he helps brings that out in other guys as well."
The corner position is led by Davonte Brown and Corey Thornton, who will enter their third year as starters.
"Davonte is a guy that works extremely hard. Him and CT were two guys last year with B.J. (Brandon Adams), competing with each other every day. It's good to see (Marco) Domio step up in that group as well.
"Davonte, from a leadership standpoint, there's not a lot of vocal stuff but you see him pulling guys to the side to give feedback. It's been good. I think he's embracing it, being one of the older guys in the room. When he came in, he had the Richie Grants and Aaron Robinsons of the world. He didn't have to do it. In high school, he guys like Patrick Surtain ahead of him. So he's never had to be that guy. I think he's adapting well within his personality."
Communication is a lot better obviously than this time a year ago.
Brandon Adams was one of the bright spots of UCF's 2021 recruiting class, seeing a few starts at corner despite playing primarily quarterback in high school.
"It's been really good (with Brandon Adams this spring). With the older guys like CT and D-Brown, he's come in and been under their wing. He's right there with them every step of the way. I think Brandon has an opportunity to be a really good player for us here at UCF."
Williams also had some high praise for Corey Thornton.
"He's one of the hardest-working guys I've ever been around. I was blessed when I was a GA (at South Carolina) to be around Jadeveon Clowney, Stephon Gilmore and D. J. Swearinger. I think D.J. And Stephon were two of the hardest workers and I'd put CT in that group with those guys on and off the field. He works extremely hard."
What's it been like working defensive coordinator Travis Williams over the past year?
"It's awesome. Me and T-Will's relationship goes back to probably 2011, 2012. I was a GA at South Carolina. He's from Columbia. We kind of clicked then. We stayed in contact over the years. Having an opportunity to go down to Auburn and work with that staff was awesome. He's a bright mind. He's a fun person to be around, I'm sure you guys know. I love learning from him and love working with him on a daily basis."
Once spring practice comes to a close, Williams will hit the road for spring recruiting. It'll be the first opportunity for spring recruiting since 2019.
"It's always good being out on the road, seeing high school guys practicing. The thing about the defensive back position is a lot of times they're hard to evaluate on tape because the camera gets on them so late at times. Being able to actually go out there and see them move around , that's always a good thing. I'm definitely looking forward to it."
