Linebacker group is highlighted

Photo by Aryah Britt

Setting the tone with UCF’s linebacker group

The final week of spring training kicked off under a cloudy Tuesday morning with the UCF linebackers taking the charge.

Throughout the offseason, the Knights retained leadership pieces like Lewis Carter, Phil Picciotti, and Jayden Jennings while also acquiring some new pieces like Tackett Curtis and Jahleel Culbreath.

As commanders of the defense, there is a focus on how comfortable this group looks in that role.

With added production and experience from the transfer portal, the Knights look to maintain a high standard with this linebacker group under linebackers coach Mark D’Onofrio in his second season.

In the first week of spring camp, we heard from Lewis Carter about his new leadership role as one of the returners to the Knights’ defensive unit.

On Tuesday, the media had the chance to speak with coach D’Onofrio and players Jahleel Culbreath, Tackett Curtis, and Jayden Jennings about their expectations for the group and for the team this upcoming season.

Coach D’Onofrio talks proven production in the linebacker room

Coach D’Onofrio spoke on bringing players in who have experience and proven production in regards to the transfer portal. However, he also placed heavy emphasis on retaining players familiar with the system.

• D’Onofrio spoke about senior linebacker Lewis Carter and how he has impacted the room as a leader, highlighting his mindset of being all about his business and how other players follow suit.

• D’Onofrio also spoke about getting kids out of the portal who appear to be on that incline in what they can produce, using Carter as an example, from only 30 tackles in his first two years at Oklahoma to a dominant 92 tackles last season with the Knights.

• He even spoke on what it means for all the new players entering the system and what it means for those guys, and says it makes a big impact on what you want to see from the group, even those who return.

• In addition to getting players with proven production, D’Onofrio also said he wanted more speed and sought players who could run and help make the team faster. A goal he says the team and staff achieved.

• Coach D’Onofrio also said he enjoys that the group comes in every day and competes even while knowing that they are playing for each other’s reps and that they keep bouncing knowledge off one another.

What does Jahleel Culbreath want to prove this season?

Culbreath told the media that he has much to prove and that he intends to play with a chip on his shoulders and believes he carries a larger responsibility rather than his own personal performance.

• When asked about his motivation, Culbreath states that he has a chip on his shoulder, not just for himself but for the team. He mentions that after last year, he feels like the team owes fans and is eager to show what they can bring to the table starting in game one.

• As a transfer playing his final year of college football, he says he needs to make the most of the opportunity, especially at the Power Four level.

• He believes the linebacker room has very high potential and wants to demonstrate that every player in the group is capable of playing every snap and handling multiple positions.

• Rather than focusing solely on personal stats or starting roles, he highlights the motto “FTB,” meaning For The Brotherhood, and wants to prove they can compete with each other to lift the entire team up rather than just competing against one another.

Transfer linebacker Tackett Curtis’ transition as a Knight

Coming from Wisconsin, Curtis discussed what went into his decision to choose UCF. Part of that was due to him having established relationships with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and even punter Atticus Bertrams.

• Having played under Coach Grinch at USC previously, Curtis noted that their existing connection made the transition “really nice.”

• He expressed excitement about reuniting with his former Wisconsin teammate, punter Atticus Bertrams, calling him a “great addition to this team” for not only his punting skills but his personality.

• Another factor that influenced his transfer is the defensive scheme set by coach Grinch, who makes it easy for players to play fast and not have to think much when performing.

• His visit also played a role, as he enjoyed the culture he walked into and said he fell in love with it.

• He noted that the coaches, particularly coach D’Onofrio, are demanding and will make players repeat drills until they are done correctly and said he appreciated it because it makes them better.

Returning linebacker Jayden Jennings on his leadership role

Jayden Jennings (formerly Jayden McDonald) talked about his leadership role that he has to step into for the next season. As someone who has already played in the defense and has familiarity, he sees this role as a responsibility.

• Jennings explicitly stated that he tries to put himself in a leadership role because he knows he has the experience to do so. He views it as giving back to the incoming players so that he can “pass the torch” as they mature.

• Following the departure of veteran players like Keli Lawson to the NFL, he noted that he had to intentionally step into a role where he puts the team first and spreads the knowledge he has gained.

• He also said that his primary focus this season is to become a better communicator and a role model for the younger guys.

• He sees the veteran presence in the linebacker room as a major asset, allowing them to use each other as resources to solve problems and communicate more effectively on the field.

What’s next?

• Defensive tackles coach Kenny Martin and select players will speak to the media on Thursday, April 30.

• And finally, quarterbacks coach McKenzie Milton and select players will speak to the media on Saturday, May 2, following an open practice that will be held inside the Acrisure Bounce House.

• Following the final week of practice, head coach Scott Frost will speak to the media to recap spring practice on Tuesday, May 5.