Aug. 6, 2010
="" alt="Knight Head" border="0" class="imported"> Read John Denton's Knights Insider | ="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported">Follow us on Twitter | ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported">Get social with the Knights on Facebook
By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Jeffrey Godfrey knows a thing or two about accomplishing the unthinkable after setting an early goal of breaking all of Jacory Harris' South Florida high school records, and then doing just that.
So it's only natural now that Godfrey, a true freshman clearly beyond his years in maturity and physical tools, doesn't flinch when it comes to the prospect of running the UCF Knights' offense as a player with little collegiate experience.
Godfrey, one of the most prolific recruits in UCF history, is battling junior Rob Calabrese for the Knights' starting quarterback job. Calabrese is the likely starter when the Knights open against South Dakota on Sept. 4, but UCF head coach George O'Leary has vowed that his prized prospect is going to play early and often.
And Godfrey, who seemingly oozes confidence out his every pore, is already expecting greatness from himself. He acknowledges there's pressure on him, but it's a position that he fully anticipates thriving in.
``For me, it's about performing under pressure. Really, I feel no pressure at all,'' Godfrey said Friday at UCF Media Day at Bright House Networks Stadium. ``I'm approaching it like I'm a guy who is going to get to play a lot. Right now, Rob and I are competing for the starting job and he's a great quarterback and I'm learning from him. But come Sept. 4 we'll see what the outcome is.''
The outcomes usually favor Godfrey despite his relatively small stature at 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds. His big right arm is explosive and his quick cuts are explosive, allowing him to potentially make the kind of dazzling plays that UCF fans haven't seen from a quarterback since Daunte Culpepper. He is quick to point out that his favorite football player is 6-foot quarterback Drew Brees, the reigning Super Bowl champion, and he stresses that his height has never hindered him throwing the ball.
Godfrey was a big hit from the start at quarterback at Miami Central High School, earning the starting job as a sophomore. Early on, he targeted all of the South Florida records set by Harris, now the star quarterback at the University of Miami. Godfrey taped those numbers to the walls of his bedroom, studying at them each night before big games. And by the time he was done, he had thrown for a staggering Miami-Dade County record of 7,251 yards. His senior season alone he tossed 36 touchdowns and passed for 2,758 yards.
``That was a big accomplishment for me. That's what I wanted to do since my freshman year of high school and my mom was always there telling me that I could do it,'' Godfrey said. ``I had notes up on my wall, wanting to break Jacory's records and I did it. It's something I'm really proud of. I had his stats up and they really motivated me a lot.''
And as it relates to Harris, a close friend and confidant, Godfrey sees himself ultimately eclipsing the Hurricanes' quarterback by the time his college career is complete.
``He's a great quarterback, but I think I'm better as a quarterback even though he has a lot of experience in college,'' Godfrey said boldly. ``I love Jacory to death and he's a great friend, but I'll always think that I'm better than him.''
There's certainly a belief among O'Leary and assistant head coach David Kelly that Godfrey is headed for big things with the Knights. Kelly recruited Godfrey for four years, believing him as a quarterback even when others suggested that his future might be at wide receiver.
O'Leary has already been impressed with Godfrey's knowledge of the game, pointing out that the freshman rarely ever repeats mistakes. O'Leary also tested the young player in spring drills and was surprised to see a rare maturity from the teenager.
``Jeff is a very talented guy, but he's still a true freshman,'' O'Leary said. ``Whether he can handle the whole package of plays remains to be seen. Rob (Calabrese) is doing great, but (Godfrey) is going to play. He just gives us something that puts defenses in a different position with his ability to make plays.''
Wide receiver A.J. Guyton said that Godfrey became a quick favorite of the wide outs because of his willingness to attack down the field and his ability to zip balls between defenders with his strong arm.
Godfrey said some of his jitters when he enrolled in January were eased by having familiar faces such as Guyton, Josh Robinson and Kemal Ishmael around him. He feels the advantage gained by enrolling UCF early will help him get on the field sooner and he sees no reason why he won't be successful right away.
``I feel like I know a lot more things than the freshmen who just came in,'' he said. ``I was able to get in the playbook and learn from the older guys. It's been a great advantage for me.
And while some might someday be surprised at Godfrey thriving as a true freshman, he says he has the utmost confidence that he's ready for this situation. He says he's not intimidated by the moment, and no situation is too big for him.''
`Coach O'Leary tells me, `Don't play like a freshman; be like a senior.' So I try to show the guys that I'm more than just a freshman,'' Godfrey stressed. ``I think I bring energy to the offense. I might make a mistake and have a bad play, but I think I bring the energy that we need. I just try not to make those mistakes again.''
=====
Click here to receive the Knights Insider via email
John Denton's Knights Insider appears on UCFAthletics.com several times a week. E-mail John at jdenton@athletics.ucf.edu.