The 2017 season for the UCF football team is just around the corner and now is the time to get your first look at the Knights. UCFKnights.com will preview each position group in the weeks leading into camp to give Knight Nation an idea of what to expect this fall.
QUARTERBACKS
After being pressed into duty in week three as a true freshman last season, sophomore McKenzie Milton returns as the only quarterback on the Knights' roster with extensive game experience.
Milton started the third game of the season in 2016 and was the starter the rest of the way, with the exception of missing the ECU game with an injury. He completed 57.7 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while compiling 1,983 yards passing. He was the first true freshman to start at quarterback since Jeff Godfrey in 2010.
In addition to his contribution in the passing game, Milton was a factor on the ground as well. He rushed for 428 yards (not including sack totals) and scored three rushing touchdowns.
"Obviously, McKenzie (MIlton) is back," head coach Scott Frost said. "He had a great spring, looked like a different guy. He's going to have better help around him to help him look better. He's really evened out some mechanics that were causing some issues last year. So, I'm excited about his progress and where he's headed."
Other than Milton, only one other UCF signal-caller has ever seen game action. Senior Pete DiNovo started the first game of the 2014 season vs. Penn State, before giving way to Justin Holman.
DiNovo moved to wide receiver in 2015 and returned to quarterback in 2016. He saw action behind center in one game last season.
"We need to come up with another guy that's ready to play and capable," Frost said. "So we're going to let all those guys compete, including McKenzie, but we really need somebody else to step up."
Two talented freshmen join the Knight family in 2017. Darriel Mack and Noah Vedral were both highly-touted coming out of high school.
Mack was the All-Tidewater Player of the Year for Norview High School in Norfolk, Va., last season. Vedral was First Team All-State for Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, Neb., last year.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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