UCF wrapped up spring training Friday night with the annual Knights-Nauts football game.
Although the result was not very memorable (Nauts 20, Knights 3), the performance of several new players has given fans hope for the season ahead.
Quarterback KJ Jefferson, a transfer from Arkansas, completed 12 of 22 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Randy Pittman Jr. had a 10-yard catch and receiver Jarrad Baker had a 10-yard catch for a 71-yard score. .
“We had a really good spring,” coach Gus Malzahn said. “We have some playmakers on defense. We didn't stop that run very well and that was the focus of our defense. [New defensive coordinator] Ted Roof is providing pressure and our players are disrupting a lot up front. ”
UCF played two 12-minute quarters and the defense recorded nine sacks, most of them by linebackers. Andrew Harris (1), Camden Vining (1), Troy Ford Jr. (1), Kieron Henderson (1), Deshaun Pace (0.5) scored takedowns and defensive lineman Caven Cole (1), John Walker (1), Ricky Barber (1).
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“We haven't had a lot of depth at the linebacker position the last few years, but now we have depth and we have quality depth,” Malzahn said.
That comes in the form of transfers Ethan Barr (Vanderbilt), Zeely Alexander (Idaho), LaDarius Tennyson (Ole Miss) and Jesiah Pierre (Texas Tech).
The defense also forced three takeaways, with defensive backs Christian Peterson and Nicolas Antoine recording interceptions and Walker forcing a fumble.
“We're an aggressive defense and if we attack we have a chance to create more turnovers,” Malzahn added.
Reserve quarterback Timmy McClain was the leading rusher with 67 yards, followed by transfer running backs Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati) with 34 yards and Johnny Richardson with 31 yards. RJ Harvey, who rushed for a career-high 1,416 yards last season, was ruled out. game.
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Receiver Kobe Hudson missed most of the spring with an injury, giving Xavier Townsend a more prominent role in the offense. The junior had a game-high 100 receiving yards on six catches, followed by Baker with 88 and Chauncey Magwood with 70.
For Jefferson, a fifth-year player, it was all about getting used to his new teammates.
“We want to start fast, jump on teams early and be able to maintain that momentum throughout the game,” he said. “That was our main focus heading into the spring: get the ball into the hands of the playmakers and make plays.”
Malzahn added: “KJ has played a lot of football. He's played a lot of football. It's probably just that he understands things. The game isn't too fast. He's calm under pressure. He’s in the pocket and does a good job of it.”
UCF heads into the offseason feeling deep, but the Knights remain optimistic as the 15-day transfer portal window opens on Tuesday.
“We really want to keep our players, but you never know. So we'll see what happens,” Malzahn said. “I think we're in a good position overall.”
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.
