The Daily Knight: A UCF Podcast

How can one fairly and objectively produce a grade for what John Rhys Plumlee has produced through the first seven games of the 2022 season? He's been up and down several times, making this a unique analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida Closer look at top 2025 running back prospect Taevion Swint from Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola. This young man is already one of the top RB prospects from the Sunshine State, and he's garnering offers because of his skills. That's why UCF and a host of other programs are already puruing him heavily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida https://www.si.com/college/ucf/ * UCF needs to close the 2023 recruiting class with a bang. Can they sign a few more impact recruits? * If the answer is yes, those same recruits can help the Knights make a splash in 2023 while also in the Big XII. * That would be a windfall for also helping to attract top class of 2024 prospects. Recruits want to play early. Seeing is believing, and the Big XII media machine will make that much easier to see it come to fruition. *So, how many more top recruits sign with the Knights? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida https://www.facebook.com/groups/909099566425696 https://www.si.com/college/ucf/ 1) How motivated will the Knights be prior to play FAU? It's not a given that the Knights are dialed in after losing to the Cardinals this past Friday. 2) The health status of WR Ryan O'Keefe. UCF uses O'keefe in many ways. He needs to be a major part of the offense, but what if he has to sit out? That means O'Keefe and Amari Johnson are out. Plus, not sure about Kobe Hudson until it is clarified if he's going to play against FAU. 3) Defending the run has been up and down for the Knights. Even taking out the runs that Malik Cunningham created, there's been some run fits missed by UCF defenders against traditional inside zone and outside zone. FAU has a talented running back that is discussed in this podcast, and the Knights had better be ready for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida Which teams will challenge the Knights on the recruiting trail once they are in the Big XII? Oklahoma and Texas are soon to leave for the SEC, but there are still teams like Baylor, Houston (sleeping giant), Cincinnati, Texas Tech, and Iowa State that all provide reasons to believe they will be formidable recruiting staffs. Some of the programs that are at the top of the list, might surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida The UCF offensive line is the backbone of the 2022 offense. All five of the projected starters will be in at least their fourth year of college football. A few key areas discussed today: 1) A tremendous running game. 2) Being able to run and pass because of the OL. 3) The value of an experienced group. 4) What UCF's OL must do to take the next step. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida From the four teams joining the Big XII -- BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF -- which team cashes in and wins the conference title first? There are advantages to each of the four teams, as well as pitfalls. Here are points to ponder for each of the four schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida Big XII, here come the Knights! This podcast specifically dives into the discussion of UCF's Big XII schedulign situations, such as: **Will there be divisions? Pods? **Conference Championship Game? **How many regular season Big XII games will there be? There are a few other intirguing questions to be answered as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UCF Football player Terrence Lewis has been accused of domestic violence. What will happen with Lewis, how the perception will be for UCF Football, and what UCF's next options are at linebacker are discussed in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida & @Dussttin What's going on with Florida State recruiting and this year's team? Dustin Lewis knows FSU very well. He's a member of the NoleGameday site on FanNation powered by Sports Illustrated. Recruiting - Lewis really like Parsons, the committed FSU QB. He's also high on several other 'Noles recruits. Watch out for big "Q" along the OL. He has a chance to be very good. As for the team, it's quite interesting. Dustin talks about some of the 'Noles struggles and some of the up and coming players. Some of the positions discussed: *OL - It's a pivotal year for FSU. With more Transfer Portal players, will the Seminoles finally turn the corner along the OL? *QB - What happens if there's an injury to Jordan Travis? That might be the biggest concern for Florida State. RB - Not necessarily a ton of depth, but some good athletes. Does any one player take the lead role? WR - Mediocre recruiting might cause some issues this season. The 'Noles might not be able to overcome multiple injuries. *DL - This might be the biggest strength for FSU. Size and speed is available for FSU. LB - Much like RB, not a ton of depth. There is some promise from a certain FR linebacker, however. DB - Definitely talent in the back end of the defense, especially safety. A couple of freshman might need to play serious minutes at cornerback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: Storm knocked out the internet at the end of this podcast. It will not end in a normal fashion. @fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly NIL and Cheating -- Which school(s) are going to get busted for offering NIL money (or flat out pay for play) to college football players on teams other than their own? By now, people have likely heard about USC trying to lure players not yet in the Transfer Portal to not only get in the portal, but transfer to their school. That's blatant cheating. When and how will the NCAA react? It's been a pathetic entity for a long time, but this takes the cake. Further, which people in the NCAA are getting their pockets lined? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida In a dual podcast situation, I interviewed the following recruit for the FGA report (check it out on YouTube), which covers HS Football in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. This young man is one of UCF's top prospects so I wanted to introduce him to the UCF fans as best I could. One of the top 2023 recruits in Georgia is Terry Simmons, Jr. from Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School. The 6'1", 295-pound defensive lineman is a versatile player that moves all along the defensive front to find mismatches that benefit Calvary Day. Here are some of the topics discussed in the podcast with Simmons. *Areas to improve. *Area he's most efficient. *Players for Calvary Day School that are really good and being recruited. *Which schools that Simmons already set up an official visit (there are 3). What motivates Simmons to be a better player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida Talking about why the spring evaluation period is vital to UCF Football and its recruiting efforts. UCF is unlike the vast majority of schools because it gains so many players from the Transfer Portal. That's why recruiting is different. The numbers change. The relationships also change. This podcast discusses the balancing act of all the things that UCF has to do to make sure it maximizes its recruiting efforts during this very important time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida Discussing the talents of UCF QB commitment Dylan Ryzk from Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale. *Passer first, but mobile. *Creative in how he buys time to make a throw. *Has a unique way of changing arm angles to make a throw or simply avoid a pass rusher. He just finds a way. *Already about 200-pounds, Ryzk is a player that has the ability to get bigger and stronger. *Good arm strength. Full profile on Ryzk will be up at Inside The Knights on Friday, April 22. https://www.si.com/college/ucf/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UCF lost Jaylon Robinson to the Transfer Portal. What the Knights can do and which players can make a name for themselves with his departure. Watch out for several skill players playing multiple roles, as well as Amari Johnson having a really good opportunity to move into a prominent role with the Knights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly LB depth is quite precarious for the Knights. Will UCF be able to find enough pieces to play a traditional defense? Here are a few points to ponder: *Which safeties play the Knight position (hybrid LB-S) at least part time? *When will Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste come off the field? As for recruiting, how many prospects need to be signed in addition to current commitment Troy Ford, Jr.? *UCF is after the Harris twins from Lake Brantley High School right outside Orlando. *Dee Crayton from Denmark HS (just north of Atlanta) is a prime target; he can play middle linebacker or weak side linebacker. *Jalen Smith is a speedy linebacker from just east of Atlanta at Grayson High School. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida & @RealNews102 After the spring game, there are specific players and positions that stood out. There are also situations that need to be rectified. Here are the primary points discussed in the podcast: *QB Play. *Depth and talent at RB. *The variety of ways that the WRS can help the Knights. *DL is increasing its playmaking ability. *LB Questions remain. *Many options in the secondary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida Talented prospects from the classes of 2023, 2024 and more ascended on the UCF campus to check out the spring game. It produced a big-time commitment from Isaiah Nixon and several other talented players are also now more familiar with the UCF program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly Discussing many of the the top recruits that will be attending the UCF Spring Game. UCF is doing a tremendous job of bringing in not only top Florida prospects but also good players from Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida & @RealNews102 There are many questions about this year's UCF Spring Game. *Which QB shines? *Does Jaylon Griffin or Kobe Hudson seize the WR position that's open? *Which of the linebackers steps up? *With two very talented defensive tackles, how well do the defensive ends play to complement them? *The Knights possess plenty of talent in the secondary, but who plays where? This podcast dives into some of the issues that need to be talked about prior to the Knights every hitting the field at the Bounce House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida & @ucf_weekly While UCF's tight end history is not incredible, there looks to be a major uptick at the position. The Knights have Alec Holler coming back and added Kemore Gamble to the position after he transferred in from the University of Florida. Gamble is the type of athlete that can stretch the field and possesses the ability to be an in-line blocker as well. Adding freshman Grant Stevens as the potential No. 3 tight end further adds talent and depth to the position. Additionally, there are some talented prospects that UCF continues to recruit like Jayvontay Conner from North Carolina and Randy Pittman from Florida. Both of those 2023 prospects would be huge additions to the UCF roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UCF Football team needs to add offensive tackles to the roster, and preferably from the high school ranks. After signing only a few offensive tackles the past few recruiting classes, signing at least two for the class of 2023 is a major need. Additionally, UCF needs offensive line numbers. Whether it's OT or OG or even C, the Knights need big bodies moving forward. The current depth chart is loaded with juniors, seniors, 5th-year seniors and even one 6th-year senior. There's going to be plenty of turnover and the UCF roster needs quality help stepping in prior to moving on to the Big XII. Projection: sign at least three high school offensive lineman, as well one or two players from the Transfer Portal, and UCF can be back on track. There even some nuances to that with recruiting high school players though, so that's to be determined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida and @UCF_FanNation *Chemistry: Do the players truly work for and with one another? This is especially true of the new players via the Transfer Portal and the freshmen that enrolled early. Do they go out of their way to make the extra block for Isaiah Bowser? Do they run a route hard even if the football is not likely coming their way? Does the offensive line show the ability to mesh together and be a cohesive unit despite two transfers coming into the program? On defense, same deal. How well do they blend their talents together? Especially in the secondary, this needs to be a common theme because there's talent, depth and experience. *QB Play: Will it be John Rhys Plumlee or Mikey Keene? Keep in mind, Plumlee is the far superior runner. Therefore, logic dictates that Keene needs to be the far superior passer. Which signal caller throws the pigskin the best? Which one controls the offense via the pass and the run. The latter would be Plumlee's advantage, but will it? He needs to pass well for his running abilities to truly show themselves because that will lead to fewer defenders near the line of scrimmage. *Boundary WR: The redshirt junior, Jaylon Griffin, from Huntsville, Texas has the size at 6'3", 185-pounds. Can he use it along with his natural athleticism to break through and be the starter at the boundary wide receiver position? There's been some buzz about this young man. He only caught one pass for 14 yards last season, but he's allegedly really coming on. If he's able to at least rotate with Auburn transfer Kobe Hudson, that would be a good one-two punch for the Knights. *The Surprise Player: Every spring game, regardless of school, seemingly has that surprise player. Who's it going to be for the Knights? It could be an offensive lineman, a linebacker, or perhaps someone in the secondary. Maybe it's more than one player that plays well and surprises. That's what spring ball is all about! Finding out who's ready to play no matter the original expectations! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For more recruiting insights: @fbscout_florida and @Marchen44 Three areas of this podcast rolled into one. This podcast detailed top talent from the DR Sportz tournament in Dallas, plus talked about the different types of players in the state of Texas and Florida, and then placed both categories into a Big 12 perspective with schools like UCF joining the league and starting to actively recruit Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida UCF Football's quarterback battle is fascinating on many levels. Can you name at least five situations that are impacted by the quarterback play as it specifically relates to UCF in 2022? Here are a few to consider... *Leadership - who do the other members of the team truly respect. *Continuity - which QB develops the best relationships with his pass catchers? *Who's able to adapt to the other players coming to the UCF offense from the Transfer Portal? *Which QB does well during this next summer when the coaches are not around? Who's able to operate Gus Malzahn's offense the best? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida @Marchen44 @RealNews102 Along with a podcast at the bottom of the article from yours truly and the following two scouts, here are several more evaluations from this past weekend's DR Sportz tournament in Plant City. There were several top performers, as well as some under the radar prospects highlighted by Marc and Andrew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida @ucf_weekly @RealNews102 Along with Inside The Knights contributors Stephen Leonard and Andrew Johnson, we go through a run down of top recruits that have visited in recent weeks. Some of the prospects include: Jaremiah Anglin, Jr. John Walker Derrick LeBlanc Ricky Lee III Zachary Tobe Barry Jackson, Jr. Dee Crayton Randy Pittman Santana Fleming Overall, UCF has done a tremendous job of bringing in top recruits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

@fbscout_florida After Co-DC Travis Williams, Josh Celiscar and Johnny Richardson spoke with the media today, there were some interesting talking points. *UCF's defensive front seven has a chance to be special. *A major reason why would be nose guard Lee Hunter, as pointed out by coach Williams. *Josh Celiscar talked about leadership and the standard of play for himself and others on defense. *KD McDaniel's role will be more expansive than originally believed. *Adding McDaniel just makes players like Celiscar and Tre'mon Morris-Brash that much more exciting and impactful. *The depth of the overall front seven may not be perfect, but there simply are so many talented front seven players in the starting lineup that UCF's front seven should be the best in the AAC this year. *Then there's Richardson, who really went into detail about what he needs to do to improve as a running back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UCF Football added the commitment of linebacker Troy Ford, Jr. After seeing Ford play live earlier this spring and then seeing him at his commitment press conference, there's much to discuss about his overall skills. The Knights' top QB target, Malachi Singleton, also came for an unofficial visit. Along with Andrew Johnson, we break down Singleton's strengths and how he could potentially be the UCF signal caller in a few years. Finally, Talking about the vast number of unofficial visits that have taken place to date, with Cam Newton's 7v7 team coming to the UCF campus recently. It was a high number of top-rated prospects. That's becoming a trend for Head Coach Gus Malzahn and the Knights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tampa is a loaded area for recruits. UCF and just about every other major program recruit this area hard. Two of the best prospects from Tampa would be cousins Booker Pickett (2024) and DJ Pickett (2025). They talk about recruiting thus far, and what they need to work on as they progress through the recruiting process. This podcast is an extension of the FGA Report, which covers Florida, Georgia and Alabama prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For UCF to improve on last season's offensive numbers, a big area of improvement needs to be third down. It was a major problem in two of the for games that UCF came up short. Along with Andrew Johnson, we discuss how the offense had struggles, and why. Additionally, what can be done to improve. @fbscout_florida @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do UCF fans feel about the 2022 season? Tony Cummings joins the show to discuss his thoughts about the Knights as a UCF fan and what to expect from the offensive line, offensive skill players, defensive front seven and secondary. @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UCF's incoming freshman walk-on QB, Davin Wydner, just earned a NIL deal. That's pretty amazing considering he's never played a down for the Knights. It's important to understand just how broad NIL has already become, and what's coming next. That's what's discussed in this short podcast. How UCF can help its athletes by being pro-active with NIL. The Knights are off to a fast start, but more will be needed down the line. @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What destinations should UCF fans look forward to seeing once the Knights officially join the Big XII? Is it Baylor, TCU, or perhaps a unique place like Iowa State (see podcast for details). Of course there's BYU, located in beautiful Provo, Utah. Many people want to visit there. Then there are people that would enjoy a trek to Morgantown, W.V. to see the raucous fans that support the Mountaineers. Who do you have and why? Stephen, Andrew and myself break down our thoughts about the adventures to the land of the Big XII, as well as some insight about how UCF recruiting will change within this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which players and position groups are the most important to sort out during UCF's 2022 spring practice? Some of the positions and topics discussed: *LB Depth. *Developing a dominant secondary with so much talent returning. *Which QB(s) make an impact and/or start? *OL chemistry. *Improving the kicking game and the special teams overall. *The roles for DT Lee Hunter and DE Tre'mon Morris-Brash. @fbscout_florida & @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taking a closer look at some of the Atlanta Under Armour Combine recruits that UCF would like to get on campus for visits and eventually sign. There were a plethora of top prospects in Atlanta the Knights truly like. A few names to know moving forward: Jeremiah Cobb, Running Back Malachi Singleton, Quarterback Jelani Thurmon, Flex Tight End Keyon Brown, Wide Receiver Davion Dozier, Wide Receiver Stanton Ramil, Offensive Line Wilkin Formby, Offensive Line @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can the Big XII members do to improve their position with the College Football Playoff Committee, plus the advertisers and TV companies that cover the games? That's a very important question, and here are the categories that will matter, during the next couple of years, to help the Big XII improve its brand across the board: 1) Facilities -- Spend like the SEC. Want to beat them? Then meet and/or surpass what they are doing with the facilities. 2) Make home games exciting for everyone, but especially put on a show for the powers that be that will help shape the next Playoff structure that begins in 2026. 3) Media - work with the media, in every single market, to provide additional assistance in promoting the Big XII brand. Be creative. Very creative! Talk about the budding rivalries that can happen between BYU and Baylor, UCF versus TCU, Houston versus Texas Tech, Oklahoma State versus Cincinnati, etc. Additionally, go in depth about the culture of the schools, the cities in which they reside, and the personalities that run these football programs. There are a world of possibilities. 4) Conference media pages on Twitter, Facebook, etc. need to improve their performance to help promote the Big XII. This is subjective, yet very important. Perception is reality! 5) The Big XII needs a top-notch defensive player to emerge that's discussed by the talking heads on television. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the Knights be able to finish out their AAC affiliation with a really good football season? 10 wins even? The 2022 schedule is intriguing: H - South Carolina State H - Louisville A - Florida Atlantic H - Georgia Tech H - SMU H - Temple A - East Carolina H - Cincinnati A - Memphis A - Tulane H - Navy A - USF The top competition would be Louisville. After that, it's really difficult to place some of the teams in a specific category. Within the podcast, Stephen and I discuss the bottom four, middle four, and top four teams on the UCF schedule. It's an interesting mix of games, and of course the War on I-4 concludes the season and the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*How well has UCF done with recruiting the top talent from the Transfer Portal today, and what should UCF do down the line? *The Knights have landed 9 top transfers for 2022, but after building the roster up, how many transfers should UCF sign in the coming years as compared to the HS prospects? This podcast breaks down what the UCF coaching staff did so far, as well as projects the Transfer Portal recruiting in the future. @fbscout_florida @ucf_weekly @RealNews102 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is a high school football combine? Here's a look at a few of the basic drills, why they are important for high schools and colleges, what they mean in recruiting, with some extra information about IMG Football mixed into the equation. @fbscout_florida @UCF_FanNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which conference gives in? Will it be the Pac 12, Big XII, Big 10, ACC or SEC? What about the non-Power Five Conferences like the Sunbelt and the AAC? Do they hold any power with the supposed College Football Playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, look at the mess down at Auburn. Brian Harsin is about to be fired by a bunch of people that simply cannot think straight. It's sad. Auburn should have kept Coach Malzahn. Too late. He's now at UCF. The future of college football should be considered with what's going on at Auburn. No matter the team one roots for, that person should watch the Auburn dumpster fire closely. Be careful for what you wish for or it might be your school that's being laughed at. @fbscout_florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices