UCF offensive lineman Cole Schneider spoke with the media on Tuesday, a couple days prior to the Gasparilla Bowl against Florida.
The highlights:
Schneider referenced the upcoming UCF-UF series (2024, 2030, 2033) and lamented he wouldn't be a part of it, so was obviously stoked when the opportunity presented itself to play Florida in a bowl game.
"It was amazing, honestly," Schneider said. "Having that last hurah being an in-state rivalry game, especially a good one here at the Gasparilla Bowl."
He talked about the need to continue to "hone in on the details" and the "little things" (player speak) and also spoke of the growing confidence of Mikey Keene.
Schneider was asked if he had the option to come back for another year. The response was sort of vague and could have been clearer, though I thought it was well established that Schneider is moving on to give his best shot for the NFL as he was already locked in to play in the Hula Bowl. It seemed he was hesitant to say that though, instead saying he's focusing on this game.
Having Isaiah Bowser back is great because he's a "bully back there."
What would a win against Florida mean?
"It would definitely make a statement for the State of Florida, for sure," Schneider said. "There's been a lot of talk since I've been at UCF who is the best. We really haven't played many in-state games, but from here on out I think there's gonna be more of a rivalry with the in-state schools."
His favorite career memory?
"Being part of the 2017 Peach Bowl team," Schneider said. "Even though I was a redshirting freshman, there was something about beating Auburn. Something special about that. That whole year put together. It just didn't seem real. It was amazing. That team was something different."
