Photo by Aryah Britt

All Gas No Breaks

As week two kicked off for the Knights in their preseason camp, you could feel the intensity.

With a little more than three weeks away from kickoff, the Knights continued to hit the ground running as they tightened down on the fundamentals and techniques on both sides of the ball.

Sights From the Field

While only given a short period, there were plenty of takeaways from what the media saw in practice on Monday.

• First things first, Cole Kozlowski was present once again at practice, this time in uniform as he now appears on UCF’s roster.
• While Kozlowski was active during team warm ups, he was not a full participant in practice.
• Alonza Barnett III led the team out in scrimmages first, with his one pass attempt batted down at the line of scrimmage by Jeffson Lafontant.
• Barnett was followed by Kaleb Annett who went 1/2 on pass attempts.
• Lastly, freshman Rocco Marriott led the offense and fired a strike over the middle to Jordyn Bridgewater, who took it into the endzone on his one pass attempt.
• In drills, some linebackers and safeties go to work against the tight ends and running backs with strong defensive showings throughout.
• Barnett found Dylan Wade deep downfield who hauled in the catch against Jayden Williams in a physical rep.
• Quarterbacks also got some work in with the receivers and TEs without defenders with receivers like Josh Derry and freshman Tyren Hornes looking flashy.

‘Our guys are having fun’: Frost’s Impressions Heading Into Week Two

The media had the chance to hear from Head Coach Scott Frost following practice and gave details about what he sees from his group and what his expectations are going forward for the rest of camp as they prepare for week one.

• Frost opened the conference by saying he knows that the team has a long way to go but in doing so, believes the team is having fun.
• He also stated that he sees a true bond between all the guys on the field.
• Frost stated he initially saw the offense wasn’t meeting his expectations, crediting the defense at the same time and highlighting how the offense had to play catch-up.
• He also stated that the biggest area he hopes to see bigger strides in is the basics. While he likes the creativity of his staff, he believes those plays are much more powerful if you are really good at the basics.
• Frost also gave a shoutout to his strength and conditioning staff and what they have been able to do for the athletes in combatting the Florida heat.
• In that he highlighted his group’s inability to falter towards the later end of practice.

What Kozlowski Back on the Field Means

With his return to the field and official roster, questions were asked in regard to where he currently stands and what it practice is going to look like for now.

• As mentioned previously, while Kozlowski was present for team warmups, he was not a full participant in Monday’s practice.
• In terms of his official status, Frost stated that he is unsure of it since the rules change so quickly.
• However, he also stated that he would be glad to welcome him back to the team based on what he showed on the field last season and what he could do as a depth piece this season.
• With that being said, Frost is still pleased with who is currently in the linebacker room, so nothing will be handed over to him. Most of that is due to a lot of missed time in spring and summer.

Ty Bartrum’s Expectations for the Season

The last time the media had a chance to speak with Ty Bartrum was during spring camp; however, on Monday we heard from him again and learned more about how he has fit in with the defensive back group and the special teams unit as fall camp is underway.

• In a crowded, but experienced, room, he said he feels that everyone in their makes each other better every day and is prepared if his number is called up.
• In terms of what he brings, he stated that he brings his ability to be a ballhawk and someone who can attack the ball.
• As for expectations, Bartrum is willing to contribute whether it means 100 reps or 10 reps and stated that his goals are the team’s goals: a Big 12 Championship.
• For special teams, he highlighted that a third of the game is special teams, emphasizing its importance and how he plans to contribute.
• He even touched on his father’s experience as a long snapper, citing it as a huge inspiration to him playing the game. He also said that if need be, he can take long snaps.

Freshman Looking to Make His Mark With UCF

Another player who has made a name for himself and is someone fans and the media are all watching is freshman wide receiver Tyren Hornes. Coming in as a four-star recruit, one of the highest the program has seen recently, he is looking to work and make an impact.

• Hornes is looking to make a name for himself by keeping his head down and soaking in information from the older guys in the locker room.
• With the high school to college football adjustment, he stated that the biggest difference is the pace of the game.
• He also talked about how the older guys have helped him along the way. In particular, he mentioned the help he has gotten from sophomore Waden Charles as he looks to make the same impact he did as a freshman.
• He also discussed his relationship with Coach Beckton, who has helped him with his technique and utilize his explosive playstyle.
• He even addressed the opportunity he has in front of him. Reflecting on how this has been his dream since he started playing at four years old.
• When giving his NFL comparison, he stated that he watched a lot of Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.