UCF's offense has a bevy of playmakers. Topping that list is wide receiver Ryan O'Keefe and he appeared in front of the media following the Knights' second day of practice.
How is the offense looking heading into year two with Gus Malzahn?
"I really feel like we're clicking as an offense," O'Keefe said. "I feel like a lot of us have grown since last year, just learning from Gus and trying to understand his play calling. Just growing as a unit. I feel we're in a really good spot right now."
It's only been two days, but newcomer Javon Baker - a transfer from Alabama - is already making waves at wide receiver.
"He's going to be a problem this year, for sure," O'Keefe said. "I'm excited to have him here. He brings an extra element to the offense. He brings another piece. He's a guy to go get the ball up top. You've got Kobe Hudson, Jaylon Griffin. There's a bunch of different receivers in the room that bring a whole different element to the game."
Later, asked to name a top highlight from practice, Javon Baker was name dropped again.
"He went over top a DB," O'Keefe said. "He's a freak. I'm really excited for that."
During the offseason, O'Keefe said he immersed himself in reading books one of which was growing from a mental perspective and "thinking on my own."
How is Mikey Keene a better quarterback?
"I feel like he's more confident," O'Keefe said. "He knows the system even more. He's more poised. He's grown just from last year to the end of the year and he's gotten tenfold better since spring. I'm excited for Mikey."
And John Rhys Plumlee?
"John Rhys, that's a quarterback where you've got respect his legs and his arm. I feel that adds to our offense. I'm really excited. You've to respect his arm and his legs. I'm looking forward to what he does on the field."
Yesterday, Gus Malzahn modeled a t-shirt from Ryan O'Keefe's new clothing line.
"Like I said on Twitter yesterday, there's no coach I'd rather play for," O'Keefe said. "I really feel like he's a players coach. You can tell he cares about us. Even when he's getting on you, it's coming out of love. You never take it personal. He's a great coach to play for."
Monday night, UCF legend Daunte Culpepper paid a visit to East Orlando and spoke to the team.
"Daunte told us the best teams he played for (were close)," O'Keefe said. "A lot of teams have players who worry about the individual stuff. Like Gus said day one of camp, really before camp, it's a team. The team that (is close) is the team that comes out on top. A lot of NIL and all that has been pulling people away from the team."
O'Keefe says this team is close.
"I feel we're a brotherhood for sure."
