Frost undecided on QB1 as season opener approaches
By ADAM EATON / sonsofucfpodcast@gmail.com
As the UCF Knights football team begins the transition from fall camp to game week, head coach Scott Frost is still not ready to publicly announce a starting quarterback for the week 1 contest against Jacksonville St. However, he did reveal that he does not think he could effectively play three, or maybe even two, QBs in a game situation. He also shared that he wants to give the starter some time to get full reps and mentally prepare, and with the opening game scheduled for Thursday, August 28th, it could point to an announcement coming later in the week.
Throughout camp Frost, offensive coordinator Steve Cooper, and QB coach McKenzie Milton have all stated that UCF feels comfortable starting any of the three quarterbacks vying for the job. Frost has also repeatedly insisted that he is waiting for the right person to go out and win the job, in both his eyes, and the eyes of his teammates. After talking to coaches and each of the QBs at the recent players’ media day, here is what we know thus far:
Indiana transfer Tayven Jackson was the assumed front-runner for the job based on his P4 pedigree and playing experience. However, in the live sessions that the media have been able to witness thus far, Jackson hasn’t always looked particularly sharp. It’s important to note that the open sessions are only a fraction of the reps the QBs get, so it’s possible Jackson has impressed in other drills. A self-described downfield thrower, it would appear that Jackson could get the nod if the coaches are looking to open up the pass game to balance what would appear to be a stout running game.
Returning QB Jacurri Brown brings a dynamic skill set to the table, evidenced by some of the highlights from his 2024 campaign with the Knights. In this new offensive system, Brown’s ability to make plays with his legs would bring an added wrinkle that Frost has historically employed in his system. The only knock on Brown is his ability in the pass game, where accuracy and decision making have been a challenge. QB coach Milton recently shared that Brown has improved dramatically since spring camp, but has he done enough to truly separate himself? Brown declared that his best attribute is bringing the juice to this offense, and if the coaching staff feels they need another playmaker on the field, they could call Brown’s number as QB1.
Veteran transfer QB Cam Fancher rounds out the group competing for the starting spot. In his time at Marshall and FAU, Fancher has shown flashes of promise, but injuries and inconsistent offensive line play have throttled his performance. Since arriving on campus in January, Fancher has spent time learning another new offensive system, and now feels like he has full command of the scheme and design. If Frost is looking for a veteran leader who can command his system and make smart decisions, Fancher just might find himself trotting onto the field as QB1 come August 28th in UCF’s opener against Jacksonville St. It should be noted that Fancher has been held out of live passing drills several times over the past two weeks (including the frist live scrimmage) while nursing a sore lat muscle.
Whoever is tabbed to lead the Knights will be operating an offense returning only one full-time starter from the 2024 team that went 4-8 (OL Paul Rubelt). UCF has done a good job of reloading the talent at the skill positions, but in order to have any measure of success in 2025, they’ll need the right guy under center.
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