Suppose Malzahn could be making it sound worse than it is. But saying he is hoping he will be back before season ends, doesn't sound like he will be back in 1 month.If it was a the injury that I heard it was before he went in for the scope, probably be back in 4-6 weeks, with an early bye week he would only miss 4 games if it’s the full recovery time. Fingers crossed, but I think he plays 8 games or more.
not just that, but dotson was moved inside to be the backup to barber. i'm concerned because ricky barber is not the most durable guy either.What happened to Andrew Rumph and Derrick Leblanc? How is a walk on freshman in the 2 deep and not them
No other big surprises except Trent Whittemore
why do you say that? mac is a 5th year senior and jackson is an 18 yr old transfer from ECU with no real history of excellence to go on.Mac McWilliams must be pretty good to get the start over Antoine Jackson. UCF is stacked this season. Clown Car Full.
J. Johnson transferred from Auburn as a fifth-year guy, but Malzahn is starting Townsend over him.AL1 can chime in, but it seems to be established that Malzahn tends to play/start players based on experience and loyalty over performance in camps.
Townsend is an established starter prior to Johnson joining with two years of experience. How often does previous year starters get bumped aside from Keene?J. Johnson transferred from Auburn as a fifth-year guy, but Malzahn is starting Townsend over him.
Jackson doesn’t have the speed to play CB.I say that because I read more articles on Antoine than Mac. Antoine Jackson is really really good. A lot of the player interviews the past few weeks mentioned him as a stand out player. Having him as a backup means Mac must be pretty good as well! Do I need to elaborate more than that?
I disagree, it could also mean we have great starters.Gus just alluded that the only DFL to make the 2 deep is Andrew Harris.
This team has a lot of troubles imo.
Established players also know the offense better than new comers tooAL1 can chime in, but it seems to be established that Malzahn tends to play/start players based on experience and loyalty over performance in camps.
Dotson is actually a better player than people know about.not just that, but dotson was moved inside to be the backup to barber. i'm concerned because ricky barber is not the most durable guy either.
I’m not concerned, it was a blood bath at WR competition.A bit concerned that whittemore is a starting WR, we dont have a ton of depth there. We need the young WRs to progress through the season/off season for next year too based on the amount of seniors there, or we’re gonna be banking on the portal.
Whittemore needs to step it up big time this year....the players have been singing his praises, but it's got to translate to the games this year. If it doesn't and Gus still starts him then we've got a Gus problem.A bit concerned that whittemore is a starting WR, we dont have a ton of depth there. We need the young WRs to progress through the season/off season for next year too based on the amount of seniors there, or were gonna be banking on the portal.
Second. That is ridiculous, how could Gus allow that.Please get RJ Harvey the hell off of KR duties. We have other guys who can handle that role.
It is the season opener. No Rumph and LeBlanc means they are turds (not practicing hard, missing team meetings, etc.) and are in the doghouse. If UCF was opening against Florida, both would be on the depth chart. The DL coach is sending a clear message here.What happened to Andrew Rumph and Derrick Leblanc? How is a walk on freshman in the 2 deep and not them
No other big surprises except Trent Whittemore
This is a big surprise. I assumed he would be the starter at buck. Moving him inside will improve UCF's pass rush from the interior. I am *assuming* this has more to do with Rumph and LeBlanc.not just that, but dotson was moved inside to be the backup to barber. i'm concerned because ricky barber is not the most durable guy either.
Williams is a pretty special No. 2 corner. He was not the most physical "every down" run stopper at UAB. I love his coverage skills, but I am little surprised UCF is just giving him the starting nod.Mac McWilliams must be pretty good to get the start over Antoine Jackson. UCF is stacked this season. Clown Car Full.
Not sure about J. Henderson's health. He didn't finish the year in 2023. They will probably bring him along slowly. Fegans will play. Not sure where to play Hawkins.No J. Henderson, C. Hawkins (Ohio State transfer), or T. Fegans (USC transfer) listed in the secondary is a little surprising.
Probably more of a matchup situation. New Hampshire is pass heavy.I’m really surprised they’re going with a nickel base again (rather than playing three linebackers).
He needs to be on the edge in passing situations.No Troy Ford Jr. at linebacker listed.
Rubelt is better than you think.No surprises at all on offense. Was kind of hoping to start someone else other than Rubelt at RT. But now you just have to support him and trust he plays well.
The biggest question mark and most glaring weakness on the depth chart is LEFT TACKLE. Amari Kight is the most important player on the roster at any position. If he goes down with an injury for any extended time, it will be devastating for UCF. Keyon Cox is not ready to play. No other offensive lineman can play that position effectively.Really worried about the offensive line, more than any other position group.
Correct.Not many surprises really. Gus always seems to give season beginning starts to seniority and loyalty and as the season progresses it changes.
too early to start the coaching search thread?Depth chart is kind of underwhelming. Insane stacked talent at RB, a lot of dudes at LB and in the secondary (great offseason), and that’s about it.
Coach them up Herb Hand, we need you living in the facility with the guys on the line this year!
“Rubelt is better than you think”.It is the season opener. No Rumph and LeBlanc means they are turds (not practicing hard, missing team meetings, etc.) and are in the doghouse. If UCF was opening against Florida, both would be on the depth chart. The DL coach is sending a clear message here.
This is a big surprise. I assumed he would be the starter at buck. Moving him inside will improve UCF's pass rush from the interior. I am *assuming* this has more to do with Rumph and LeBlanc.
Williams is a pretty special No. 2 corner. He was not the most physical "every down" run stopper at UAB. I love his coverage skills, but I am little surprised UCF is just giving him the starting nod.
Not sure about J. Henderson's health. He didn't finish the year in 2023. They will probably bring him along slowly. Fegans will play. Not sure where to play Hawkins.
Probably more of a matchup situation. New Hampshire is pass heavy.
He needs to be on the edge in passing situations.
Rubelt is better than you think.
The biggest question mark and most glaring weakness on the depth chart is LEFT TACKLE. Amari Kight is the most important player on the roster at any position. If he goes down with an injury for any extended time, it will be devastating for UCF. Keyon Cox is not ready to play. No other offensive lineman can play that position effectively.
Correct.
Herb Hand is and has been the one bragging on Rubelt. I understand he has been around the program for a while. I expected Wes Dorsey to be the starter. The coaching staff has backed Rubelt from Day One. I hope and think they are right.“Rubelt is better than you think”.
That’s weird, because he’s been on the field right in front of me six games a year for the last few seasons and I don’t really have a positive thing to say.
But keep blindly agreeing with Malzahn. I actually really hope you are right and I am way wrong. I’d much rather UCF be dominant up front this year than be correct.