UCF Knights football: Players responding to Scott Frost coaching
UCF football coach Scott Frost spoke to reporters for the first time since March 11 after Saturday’s spring practice session.
- UCF’s defense impressed during the team’s first open practice of the spring.
- Several early enrollees, particularly on offense, caught coach Scott Frost’s eye.
- Running back Myles Montgomery appears poised for a breakout season after the departure of RJ Harvey.
ORLANDO — UCF football fans got their first true look at Scott Frost‘s team Saturday morning as the school held an open practice in front of limited capacity at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Perfection is the end goal for Frost, but he was largely pleased with the progress shown — both over the course of the two-hour practice and the nine days of on-field work since mid-March.
“There’s some good and some bad. Any spring ball is like that,” Frost said. “We’re installing a lot of stuff with a lot of new guys, too. There were mistakes. The biggest thing I was looking for is to see who was going to show up ready to go and fight and be tough. We’ve got a lot of that on this team; I don’t think we have enough. We’re going to keep pushing them and helping them understand the expectations we have. We’ve got a long way to go.”
It was also the first spring camp session with full media access, with another set for Friday evening. With that in mind, here are five observations from UCF’s Saturday afternoon session.
Defense ‘won the day,’ makes plays on the football
Frost judged that the Knights’ defense “won the day” overall, bringing energy and intensity from the jump and creating several turnovers in individual and team practice periods.
Junior linebacker Andrew Harris returned an interception for a long touchdown, and Nick Antoine grabbed another on a deep throw up the seam. Phillip Dunnam jumped a route during one-on-ones for an easy pick, and the Florida Atlantic transfer delivered a punishing hit near the goal line in a scrimmage period to deny a TD on a sweep.
“I think, early on, the defense came more ready to play than the offense,” Frost said. “We need more get-up-and-go and tough attitude from those guys right from the beginning. As practice went on and we had some more competitive drills, it got better. But that can’t be a part-time thing.”
Early enrollees pushing for playing time
Frost was not afraid to throw freshmen into the fire when he took over at UCF in 2016, rolling with McKenzie Milton at quarterback and giving significant snaps to guard Jordan Johnson, wide receiver Dredrick Snelson, running backs Jawon Hamilton and Adrian Killins and defensive tackle Trysten Hill.
With competition open across the board, it could create opportunities for the Knights‘ younger talent to break through. Wide receivers coach Sean Beckton called Waden Charles and Carl Jenkins Jr. the “future” of his position group. Caden Piening made an impressive grab along the sidelines, and Rukeem Stroud nearly corralled a deflected interception late in the session.
Taevion Swint, who has been a non-contact participant throughout camp, took reps as a punt returner along with Western Michigan transfer Jaden Nixon and redshirt sophomore receiver Bredell Richardson.
“The biggest factor in playing early isn’t necessarily talent; it’s how fast you can adapt to college, how fast you can adapt to being a grown-up,” Frost said. “Are you dipping your toe in the water, or are you diving in headfirst? I’ll give a lot of the freshmen credit. They’ve come in and made their mistakes full speed, which is what we want to see. I think there are several guys who have put themselves in position to have a chance to have some playing time this year.”
Myles Montgomery emerging as leader for UCF offense
Running back is a massive hole to fill, following the departure of RJ Harvey, the program’s all-time touchdown leader and a potential Day 2 NFL draft pick. But redshirt senior Myles Montgomery appears well suited to pick up the slack after a solid debut season for the Knights (293 rushing yards, four total TDs).
Montgomery scored the Knights’ first offensive touchdown in team drills, letting out a passionate roar as the home fans cheered. He’s also emerging as a leader among the group, both with his on-field actions and — when needed — with his voice.
“Last year, I guess you could say I gained a lot of respect from the guys because I wasn’t a big talker. I just put my head down and worked,” Montgomery said. “When everyone else respects you and they listen to what you’re saying, you’re not just talking their head off and yapping all the time, it’s good. It’s two-fold, too. They get on me, too. I mess up. It’s putting ego aside and trying to win.”
‘Nothing has emerged yet’ among QB1 hopefuls
Speaking for the first time about his quarterbacks since the opening day of spring camp, Frost said “nothing has emerged yet” with regards to the four players gunning for the top spot on the depth chart: Tayven Jackson, Jacurri Brown, Cam Fancher and Dylan Rizk.
“All four guys that have taken reps right now are doing good things,” Frost said. “What we really have to eliminate is the mistakes. For as many good plays as we’re making, one catastrophic play hurts you worse than three really good plays help you. I need guys that are seeing the game faster, making good decisions.
“I’m waiting for somebody to step out front and take it.”
Marcus Burke, 3 transfer O-linemen among non-participants
On the whole, the wide receiver and offensive line groups were shorthanded due to injury absences.
Florida transfer Marcus Burke had his right arm in a sling, and his timetable for return is uncertain. Kason Stokes and Jordyn Bridgewater were also inactive, as were three transfer additions along the offensive line — Gaard Memmelaar, Justin Royes and Jakiah Leftwich.
Burke entered camp as an expected first-team option on the perimeter after making seven starts at Florida in 2024. He had seven catches for 69 yards and his first two college touchdowns.
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