The Josh Heupel era has its first official audition in front of the public this Saturday with the UCF football spring game. Spring practices are closed, so this will be the first opportunity fans get to see how different the Knights look from last year's 13-0 squad.
The spring game starts at 6 p.m. inside Spectrum Stadium and general admission tickets are free. There is also a whole day of activities leading up to the game, including a performance by country music star Craig Campbell.
While a significant amount of talent returns from last year's team, there are still some important questions to be answered before the Knights kick off the 2018 season this fall against UConn. Here are the five things to watch for as UCF takes the field on Saturday.
1. What does the rotation at running back look like?
While Heupel and staff are trying to keep some similarities in place from Frost's offense, there are undoubtedly bound to be changes. One of the biggest differences may be in how the running backs are used. If there was a weakness for UCF's offense in 2017, it was running between the tackles. Scat backs like Adrian Killins and Otis Anderson were among the biggest playmakers on the team and while they will still be huge contributors this year, they may show up more in the passing game. Former walk-on Greg McCrae had some moments in mop-up duty last year and he has drawn rave reviews this spring. Last year's top recruit, Cordarrian Richardson, is another player that people have speculated could see a larger role if a greater emphasis is put on a power running game.
2. What is the state of the defensive line?
New defensive coordinator Randy Shannon is transitioning the Knights defense and the biggest differences in play should be seen along the defensive line. UCF must replace line standouts like Jamiyus Pittman, Tony Guerad and Seyvon Lowry as well. Trysten Hill is back to solidify the middle and seniors Joey Connors and A.J. Wooten also have experience on the interior. The pass rush is what is in question especially without Shaquem Griffin attacking from outside linebacker, but perhaps senior Titus Davis could play a hybrid role. The Knights are looking for at least one of their two redshirt freshman, Jeremiah Zio or Mason Cholewa, to step up. Aaron Cochran started his UCF career on offense, but may finally factor prominently into plans in his senior season. They will likely also need contributions from someone in the freshman class arriving in the fall.
3. Who is getting the looks at tight end?
There is no spot on the field that is as wide open at UCF then tight end. Gone are Jordan Akins, Michael Colubiale and Jordan Franks and all of the Knights' 2017 production at the position left with them. The player most likely to lead this unit is Wisconsin transfer Jake Hescock, a big 6'7" target who many are hoping develops into a great security blanket for quarterback McKenzie Milton. JUCO transfer Chris DeLoach could also factor in. It would make sense as well for the coaching staff to move one of their bigger wide receivers, like Gabe Davis, inside, but there has been no announcement in that direction at this point.
4. Who replaces Mike Hughes in the secondary?
Going into last year, the biggest concern for the Knights was at secondary. Mike Hughes arrived just a couple weeks before the season from his JUCO and was a revelation at the position. Now, UCF is going to be searching for their next lockdown corner, but this question may have a few obvious answers. Nevelle Clarke missed the first six games due to suspension last year, but the redshirt junior out of Miami has the talent necessary to have a big year. Another Miami product, Antwan Collier, sealed the Peach Bowl with an interception and that could be the launching off point the now-sophomore needs to become an impact player.
5. How has McKenzie Milton's game evolved?
There are not many returning quarterbacks in the country that will be as highly-regarded as Milton. He completed over 67 percent of his passes last year while throwing over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. That should be enough to get the junior on preseason Heisman lists, but that does not mean he does not have ways to improve or different things he can evolve in his game. Heupel had great success as an offensive coordinator last year with Drew Lock at Missouri and could employ more of a vertical passing game at UCF in 2018. Milton has also talked about improving as a pocket passer this spring, so it will be interesting to see if these changes are evident Saturday.
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