Quarterback group is highlighted

Photo by Aryah Britt

Slinging it with the quarterbacks

That is a wrap on spring football, and after five weeks, the spotlight shines on the Knights’ quarterback group.

Unlike last spring, when there were question marks about who would be the starter, this spring it is clear. The position is pretty much settled with Alonza Barnett III as the starter.

However, while the question marks about the starting job are gone, other questions have arisen throughout the spring regarding the position. The question being Barnett’s health.

Through a “cautious” approach by Scott Frost and the staff, the media have not been able to see the extent to which Barnett has practiced for the last few weeks. Until Saturday, even then, his involvement was minimal.

Questions arose about what could be wrong and what is causing the delay.

Following UCF’s open spring practice on Saturday, the media had the chance to seek answers as to what has gone down in the process. In addition, they could ask what we could expect in the future.

We had the chance to speak to Quarterbacks Coach McKenzie Milton and quarterbacks Alonza Barnett III, Keyone Jenkins, Kaleb Annett, Rocco Marriott, and Dante Carr.

McKenzie Milton focused on protecting his investment

Milton emphasized that despite Barnett’s lack of live snaps during spring practice, he has remained a central and active figure within the quarterback group. He noted that Barnett is fully immersed in the team’s activities. For instance, he attends every meeting and participates in side throwing sessions.

• Milton said that he sees the battle for the backup position going into the summer. He thinks it could even possibly continue into the fall.

• While the media has noted Barnett’s absence, Milton said he has been present in more ways, just in field work. He has been present in meetings and showing his professional expertise in coaching the rest of the quarterback room.

• Milton stated that Barnett’s presence is felt every day. He serves as a leader in the room, helping younger quarterbacks understand what it looks like to be a professional.

• Barnett is described as being “as dialed in as anybody” Milton has been around. He views the game like a coach, frequently drawing up plays. For example, he coaches up Milton through different concepts to demonstrate his mastery of the system

• Milton referred to Barnett as an investment that the coaching staff needs to protect. He explained that the decision to limit his live reps was a strategic move. The purpose was to ensure he is healthy and ready for the fall championship run, rather than risking him during spring ball.

• Milton repeatedly called Barnett a pro. He noted that Barnett’s experience, having played in high-stakes games and the playoffs, was a key factor. This experience made him the top target for the program in the transfer portal.

• For anyone wondering, Milton was adamant that Barnett is the guy to go into the season.

Alonza Barnett III discusses his spring involvement behind the scenes

On a positive note, we did get to hear from Barnett. The media had several questions about what went into the decision to pick UCF and why it was made so early in the portal process. Additionally, he discussed what his spring has looked like and what that means for his preparation for the upcoming season as the starter. He also discussed his status for the summer.

• As many mentioned, Barnett also compared the portal to speed dating and it moved very quickly.

• Barnett chose UCF after just one visit because he was highly intrigued by the staff’s history with developing quarterbacks, specifically mentioning Frost, Milton, and Offensive Coordinator Steve Cooper. Additionally, he noted the family environment that the staff created while he was in the building.

• After playing in high-stakes playoff games at JMU last season, he felt ready to test his skills against the speed and talent of the Big 12 week in and week out. This was a key part of his decision to move up.

• Regarding his health, he cleared the air that while he is not seeing any field action, he is not fully sidelined. He stated he will be ready for the summer and OTAs.

• His activity level, though on a smaller scale, has remained persistent as he stated that he has been running, throwing, and lifting during the spring. Furthermore, he is still getting to know the team and the area.

• He also clarified that it wasn’t a procedure or a cleanup during the offseason that was holding him back.

• He has been taking intensive mental reps, focusing on how receivers come out of their routes and on the feedback they give other quarterbacks. In addition, he has spent time throwing to key receivers like Josh Derry, Dylan Wade, and Duane Thomas Jr. after practices to get a feel for them.

Keyone (Lightz) Jenkins on why UCF was the destination

Jenkins joined the Knights as a late transfer portal commit from FIU, which raised some eyebrows. As the quarterback with the most experience behind Barnett, he has received a lot of attention as the presumed QB2 for UCF going into the season.

• Despite being a late addition to the portal class, he described his visit to UCF as feeling genuine. He chose the school because it felt like home and allowed him to stay in Florida, not far from his own family.

• He made it clear that he does not have a pitch for the backup spot. Instead, he is focused on letting his performance do the talking.

• Jenkins explained that he approaches every day as if he is competing to be the starter, not just a backup. He noted that none of the other QBs are content with being No. 2. Additionally, this drive pushes the entire room to work harder.

• Over the course of the spring, Jenkins highlighted his growth in decision-making and understanding the playbook more deeply.

• He emphasized that his ability to take criticism and be coached was a big key factor that the coaching staff liked about him. He has focused on improving every day and learning not just to play the game, but to truly know it mentally.

Kaleb Annett on his expectations for the season

Boise State transfer Kaleb Annett is another name that is in the mix for the QB2 spot on the roster. He talked about his expectations for the season, which center on personal growth, team success, and a competitive drive to secure the backup quarterback role.

• Regarding the QB2 spot, Annett expressed a clear desire to prove to the coaching staff that he is the best option. He believes his strengths in decision-making, situational processing, and play-extension make him a strong candidate for the role.

• He expects to bring a dynamic style of play to the field, modeling his game after NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, specifically their abilities to adapt when the pocket breaks down.

• Having seen the game “slow down” for him throughout spring practice, he expects to continue this progression by getting more reps and building chemistry with the wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line.

• In terms of success, he focuses on team success rather than personal success and is willing to assist in any way to help the team achieve the level of success it hopes to achieve this upcoming season.

• He described the current roster as a special group and expects a high level of performance fueled by the strong camaraderie built during offseason workouts and player-led practices.

Freshmen quarterbacks Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr discuss their early development at UCF

In addition to these three transfers, two freshmen commits are getting an early taste of spring training when they should both be at their high school prom. However, they have both decided to utilize the time to begin their early development as members of the Knights.

• Carr believes coming in early has given him a significant advantage, allowing him four extra months to adjust to the game’s pace and learn the playbook.

• He has been working closely with Scott Frost and McKenzie Milton on his throwing mechanics. He appreciated their honesty during the recruiting process, as they told him he was progressing, and he has spent the spring focused on getting better every day.

• He and Rocco are roommates and spend their evenings doing walkthroughs together. He also highlighted the value of picking the brains of more experienced quarterbacks like Barnett.

• Similar to Carr, Marriott’s focus has been on speeding up his decision-making and reading defenses faster. He noted that at the college level, you don’t have time to run around and make plays.

• Marriott chose UCF primarily for the development potential under Frost and Milton, stating it was a no-brainer once they offered, given their pedigree as former standout quarterbacks in the same system.

• He values the offense’s dual-threat nature and the control it gives the quarterback. He also appreciates having a lifelong friend and high school teammate, Brooks Hall, in the program with him.

• Both freshmen emphasized that while they are competitors, the quarterback room is a collaborative environment where they push each other to improve every day.

What’s next?

• Head coach Scott Frost will speak to the media to recap spring training on Tuesday, May 5.