UCF Quarterback Alonza Barnett III Named to Davey O'Brien Watchlist

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The addition of Alonza Barnett III has UCF coaches, players, and fans excited for the upcoming season and what he can bring to the Knights' offensive attack.

Throughout the offseason, Barnett has been praised for his ability on-and-off the field, with his leadership qualities shining through around the facility.

On Thursday, Barnett received another accolade, being named to the Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List, which is given to the best quarterback in college football annually.

This award has been given out to the nation's best gunslinger since 1981, with Cam Ward, Jayden Daniels, and Bryce Young being the latest NFL players to earn the honor.

For Barnett, this season marks an opportunity to make a name for himself at the Power 4 level after a strong career with James Madison.

Last season, Barnett led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff, earning an at-large bid as one of two mid-major programs.

Despite having a tough first-round matchup against Oregon, Barnett shined, finishing with 273 yards passing, 45 yards rushing and three total touchdowns.

This statline is solid, but even more impressive when considering Oregon shut out the Big 12 Champion Texas Tech Red Raiders in the following round.

Barnett's ability to extend plays and spread the wealth fits head coach Scott Frost's scheme, giving the Knights' their most consistent QB play in many years.

With talented pass catchers like Josh Derry, Waden Charles, Duane Thomas Jr., and Dylan Wade at his disposal, Barnett has plenty of weapons to utilize on offense.

While most UCF fans would agree that earning bowl contention this season would be a step in the right direction, Barnett has much higher aspirations.

"That's addicting bro," Barnett said about the opportunity to play in the CFP. "It was crazy. Growing up, playing video games against Oregon, like De'Anthony Thomas, all the different flashy uniforms and all that stuff. It was loud from the first quarter through the fourth. Nobody left."

He called the feeling of playing in the game "addicting," while saying that the Knights "gotta experience that this year."

While this goal is lofty, it is far from undoable, with the Big 12 Conference Champions being represented by a different program each of the past six seasons.

The quarterback position has never been more valuable in today's landscape of college football, and the Knights have seemingly found their guy.

Getting Barnett acclimated to his receiving corps and synced in with Duke Watson and Landen Chambers in the backfield will determine how far the Knights' new QB can take them.

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