One of the bigger storylines from UCF's 2021 season was the emergence of tight end Alec Holler, a former walk-on who became one of the Knights' key weapons.
Awarded a scholarship by Gus Malzahn last summer, Holler, who hadn't registered an offensive stat in his prior three seasons, fought his way to the No. 1 tight end spot and finished with 19 receptions for 192 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per catch, and three touchdowns.
We caught up with the former Trinity Prep star following Saturday's practice.
Going into year two under Malzahn, Holler said everyone is now more comfortable playing in Gus Malzahn's system, himself included.
"Now with Jake Hescock gone, I feel like I'm taking more of a leadership role in the tight end room. I'm trying Kemore (Gamble) who just got here. He's a super talented player. I'm helping him get involved, learn the offense and the intricacies of that. And the freshmen like Grant Stevens. I feel like more of a leader in the tight end room.
Kemore Gamble is a former starter at Florida who transferred in for spring.
"He's explosive. Super athletic. He's a great pass catcher. He's willing to be physical. I think he's going to be a great addition to the tight end room."
Where can Holler take the next step as a tight end?
"Definitely in the passing game. I think Kemore, with him coming in, he's actually helped me a lot in some route-running stuff. I'm trying to get bigger and be more physical on blocks. I'm very technical with my footwork, but I need to be able to displace dudes to get the holes open for (Isaiah) Bowser, Johnny (Richardson) and all the other running backs."
What is he seeing from Mikey Keene?
"You can see how much more comfortable he is in the offense. He's a real leader. He's a servant leader. He really cares about his team. He cares about the offense. It's not about him. He's willing to spend extra time, throwing the ball after practice. Help talk you through routes, coverages, stuff like that. He's a great leader."
How does John Rhys Plumlee fit in to the competition? Holler was his host when he came on his visit.
"He's a great dude. I love being around him. I took him to (TopGolf) on the visit). He was driving that ball like 300 yards. On the football field, you can see he's not missing a step. He's super athletic. Able to get off the edges. Really push the RPOs. I love having him around."
Grant Stevens is a true freshman early enrollee.
"He's similar to Kemore. He's a great route runner. We're still working on learning the offense and stuff like that, but he's going to be a great player. I think he can be the future of the tight end room."
Is there a young guy or newcomer impressing this spring?
"JG (Jaylon Griffin), I feel like everybody has been talking about him. He's had a really good spring. Cullen Smith. He's a walk-on. He's been having a really good spring. Stephen Martin. Great spring. I think the tight end room is making huge steps this spring as well. Everybody has really been playing at a different level. Jordan Davis looks like a whole new player. He looks amazing."
On freshman QB Thomas Castellanos, Holler says he's "calm for a high schooler" and that "he'll be a great player in the future."
Is Gus expanding the offense this spring, adding more to the plate?
"Coach Malzahn is really focused on adding a bunch of different stuff so the defense be focused on one thing and key on that. He's been working a lot on tight ends getting in on the passing game. I think we've been doing well with that. I think the offense looks really good right now."
What's it like working with his position coach, Brian Blackmon?
"He's a great guy. He's a role model for me. He's somebody I can sit down with and talk about life or football. He's really good about teaching the little things, like the footwork. He fits me really well as a coach. I love working with him."
What was the play of the day in practice?
"Garrett French, a walk-on tight end, ran a little tight end screen and scored a touchdown. He's one of my best friends so it was amazing to see him make a great play."
What is the identity of this offense?
"I think this spring we've really gotten after it in the run game. We're a lot more physical than we used to be. Our size, we've gotten a lot bigger. I think we're attacking a lot more. Now that we're comfortable with the plays, we're able to focus on the little things and play fast."
How is the offensive line doing?
"The o-line looks great. Matt Lee and Sam Jackson are the leaders. And Lokahi. They're studs. Whenever we can run behind them, we're going to gain yards. With them on the field, I'm always confident."
What was his favorite moment last season?
"Probably Florida (game). I grew up being a UCF and Florida fan, so going out there and playing felt like a backyard football game. It was pretty fun."
Holler said he's a "technical blocker" and is trying to put on more size to be more physical. He's trying to get to 240 pounds. He's added about 5-6 pounds since the end of last season. (Roster lists him at 230 pounds).
Championships are won in the spring.
"The goal is obviously the conference championship, but you've got to take it day by day. A lot of teams in spring right now are getting lethargic. They don't want to go out there and feel like they can sleepwalk until fall camp. These are the days when you win games. It's staying focused on today and then the rest of it will play out as it should."
