UCF releases depth chart, Holman named starting quarterback
To no surprise, Justin Holman has been named UCF's starting quarterback.
The senior had been running the first team offense all spring and camp, but first-year head coach Scott Frost had cautioned no official decision would be made until the conclusion of the preseason, which ended on Thursday.
Other highlights from the depth chart, released by the school on Friday afternoon:
-Nick Patti is listed as the backup quarterback. Holman and Patti being one and two was always the expectation. The question remains who would be No. 3? Tyler Harris? Garrett Kruczek? McKenzie Milton?
-The first team offensive line remains unchanged from the first day of practice: LT Aaron Evans, LG Tyler Hudanick, C Jason Rae, RG Chavis Dickey and RT Wyatt Miller. A couple new names were listed as backups, LT Jake Brown (walk-on from California) and RG Jordan Johnson (a true freshman). Chester Brown is backup LG, Tate Hernly backup center and Charles Sprenkel backup RT.
-A total of seven wide receivers were listed on the two-deep. The top four, according to the depth chart, would include Tre'Quan Smith, Taylor Oldham, Cam Stewart and Tristan Payton. Reserves include Hayden Jones and a pair of true freshmen: Jaquarius Bargnare and Dredrick Snelson.
-Four running backs were listed, both with "ors" attached to their name. Dontravious Wilson and true freshman Jawon Hamilton are the co-starters while Taj McGowan and true freshman Adrian Killins are the co-backups.
-UCF has considerable depth at the tight end position, so it's not surprising they went ahead and listed the top three: Jordan Franks, Cal Bloom and Jordan Akins. Each brings a little something different to the table. Receiving is the strength of Franks and Akins, both of whom are former receivers, while Bloom is more noted for his blocking ability. All will see extensive playing time.
-On the defensive line, we learned the Trysten Hill buzz is real. The true freshman is listed as a co-starter alongside Joey Connors at defensive end. Jamiyus Pittman and Tony Guerad also listed as starters. Backups include A.J. Wooten and Seyvon Lowry.
-Five linebackers were listed for four starting linebacker spots: Shaquem Griffin, Demeitre Brim or Chequan Burkett, Mark Rucker and Errol Clarke. Backups include Jerod Boykins, Justin McDonald, Maurice Russell, Pat Jasinski and Titus Davis.
-The secondary starters remain unchanged from the first day of camp with Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings as the top corners alongside No. 1 safeties Drico Johnson and T.J. Mutcherson. Reserve corners are Jeremy Boykins, Rashard Causey and Nevelle Clarke. Other safeties listed are Tre Neal, Brandon Scott and Kyle Gibson.
-UCF has two up and coming kickers in Matthew Wright and Donald Delahaye. Both are listed as co-starters for both placekicking (field goals, extra points) and kickoffs. They could continue to share duties. Last year, Wright handled field goals and PATs and Delahaye was the kickoff specialist. Redshirt senior Caleb Houston has retained his punting job and the same goes for long snapper Gage Marsil. Houston also continues on as holder.
-In the return game, UCF is going with experience in the starting spots. Tristan Payton is the No. 1 kick returner and will assisted by Nevelle Clarke "or" Adrian Killins. At punt return, Chris Johnson is the starter and will be backed up by Taylor Oldham.
-In all, six true freshmen were listed on the two deep, all offensive players: RG Jordan Johnson, WR Jaquarius Bargnare, WR Dredrick Snelson, RB Jawon Hamilton, RB Adrian Killins and DE Trysten Hill.
-The word "or" was used 14 times to either denote a starter or a backup. Translation: A lot of guys are going to play. Don't get caught up in ones or twos.
UCF's first game week practice is scheduled for Saturday, one week ahead of the Sept. 3 season opener with South Carolina State. Frost's first weekly press conference is set for Monday.