With UCF Football’s final spring practice this past Saturday, head coach Scott Frost took to the microphone to close the book on this chapter of workouts.
There Are No Worries Around Alonza Barnett
Does an injured quarterback spook fans around a program? — Absolutely
However, Scott Frost maintained his resolve that caution was the only reason he didn’t participate in team activities this spring.
“We got to the point where at the end of spring where [Barnett] could have gone out there and done stuff,” said Frost. “We’re just in a new era where getting guys to the season is as important as anything. . . “
That philosophy held true with other players such as defensive end Sincere Edwards. In the NIL era, this seems to be what fans expect as programs protect the investments they make. It forces them to prioritize their guys’ health in the offseason.
Frost is Relying on Experience in his Team’s Preparation
The next question that comes up when guys are missing is chemistry. But Frost’s approach is to develop those pieces during summer workouts. This is most pronounced in conversations surrounding Barnett and the receivers.
“Some of the things we need [Barnett] him to get reps for and with can happen over the summer,” said Frost. “. . . There’s a reason NFL free agents can go from one team to another and play pretty fast because they’ve played a ton of football.”
This concept is consistent with certain players who started practicing in the spring but were held out on Saturday’s outing. That is a concerted effort to be as smart as possible with players’ availability.
More Leaders Than Last Year
Frost mentioned that one reason year two of his second campaign was clearly better than year one was greater buy-in from players. Rather than having to “coach” culture and character into players, Frost mentioned a greater concentration on actual football.
One of the reasons Frost believes this took place was due to more leadership and veteran presence. Frost explained, “We have way more leaders than we did last year and fewer people they have to make consistent impressions on to get them to do the right thing.”
While pointing out that Duane Thomas Jr and Waden Charles are leaders in the receiver room, Frost pointed out that the clearest leaders on offense are Connor Meadows and Preston Cushman.
On defense, Lewis Carter is the obvious leader. But according to Frost, other returners like Jayden Williams, Braeden Marshall, Horace Lockett, and RJ Jackson have done their part as well.
The Biggest Remaining Questions
While Frost stated that spring practice answers many questions, he noted that some starting jobs are still up for grabs.
But for all the confidence that the coach places in competition during summer workouts to make that picture clear, he still acknowledges that the biggest question in his mind is in step with KnightNation.
What will the offense look like once Alonza Barnett is in a gold helmet and working with the team as the march to the 2026 season presses on?
