UCF Q&A: Who steps up at quarterback in Alonza Barnett’s absence?

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With Alonza Barnett III sidelined with a ‘significant’ hamstring injury for an undetermined amount of time, UCF must now turn toward its bench in search of its next starting quarterback.

The Knights have several options for Barnett’s replacement, including a veteran, an up-and-comer and a pair of true freshmen.

Coach Scott Frost wouldn’t address who could get the starting nod against Georgia State on Saturday, only stating, “We have a lot of guys I think are capable. We’re kind of putting together a game plan right now.”

Senior Keyone “Lightz” Jenkins started 32 games in three seasons at FIU before transferring to UCF this offseason. He threw for 6,713 yards with 42 passing touchdowns and 25 interceptions during his time with the Panthers.

He’s appeared in both games, completing all four of his passes for 42 yards and a touchdown.

The 6-foot, 200-pound lefty can present his own set of challenges for defenses.

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“Lightz brings the challenge of the fact that he’s a lefty,” said senior defensive end Ken Talley. “You’ve got to think about how he sprints (out of the pocket) and certain different plays they’ll call with him. Plus, he brings a lot of experience.”

Kaleb Annett (6-3, 200) spent three seasons at Boise State, but hasn’t thrown a collegiate pass. However, the redshirt sophomore impressed coaches in camp and earned the opportunity to take second-team reps in the fall.

He appeared in the opener against Bethune-Cookman, but didn’t attempt a pass, instead rushing for 12 yards on 2 carries.

Rocco Marriott (6-4, 220) and Dante Carr (6-4, 220) signed as the top-rated quarterbacks in program history in December. Both were early enrollees and quickly impressed on their arrival, with Marriott getting second-team snaps during camp as well.

While he didn’t throw a pass in the opener, Marriott did score his first collegiate touchdown on a goal-line run in the fourth quarter against B-CU.

Whoever gets the call on Saturday against the Panthers will have a week to get acclimated to the running backs and wide receivers.

“With this group of guys, I don’t think I’m going to have to say much,” Frost said of his message to the team. “That’s going to happen organically. We have a tight-knit team and guys believe in each other. The guys will prepare and be ready and embrace whoever is playing quarterback.”

How can UCF show improvement on the offensive line?

The Knights clearly struggled against Pittsburgh, particularly on the front line, where Barnett faced constant pressure in the backfield. He was hurried a staggering 14 times, resulting in a disappointing performance of just 3 for 8 for 36 yards under duress, according to Pro Football Focus.

To add insult to injury, UCF struggled to run the football, managing just 20 yards on 22 carries for a 0.9 yards-per-carry average.

Bianchi: UCF loses to Pitt, but QB Alonza Barnett’s injury scare is the real nightmare

The Knights replaced four starters on the offensive line this offseason with Henry Tabansi, Connor Meadows, Owen Spell and Brady Washburn stepping in, along with tackle Preston Cushman as the only returner.

Frost admitted the rotation may change moving forward.

“We’re taking a look at that,” he said. “There are a couple of guys nicked up a bit, and that affected the rotation and playing time a little bit. Those guys are going to be ready to play this week, but we have a lot of guys capable and we’ve got to make sure to find the right rotation to start with.”

Who is taking accountability for the loss?

Frost hasn’t shied away from taking accountability for the Knights’ 12-7 loss at Pittsburgh.

“The guys know this coaching staff and me, we’re all in this together,” Frost said on Monday. “We talked about that before the game. If we’re going to get these things done, we got to get it done together.

“It doesn’t do any good for the coaches to blame the players or the players to blame the coaches. I told them before the game, we were capable of going up there and winning that game and I’m not sure I believed that at times last year.”

How healthy are the Knights?

Barnett isn’t the only player hurting from this weekend.

Starting cornerback Jayden Bellamy and offensive lineman Cooper Terpstra left the game against Pittsburgh with undisclosed injuries. Bellamy has five tackles and a pass defended in the Knights’ first two games, while Terpstra has taken 48 total snaps.

Frost remained optimistic about both players’ return.

“My hope and feeling right now is both those guys will be ready to go Saturday,” he said.

Also expected back this week are starting receiver Duane Thomas Jr., defensive tackle R.J. Jackson Jr. and defensive end Bruno Dall. All three have missed the first two games with undisclosed injuries.

Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram at @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.

Up next

What: Georgia State (2-0) at UCF (1-1)

When: 7 p.m., Saturday

Where: Acrisure Bounce House Stadium, Orlando

TV: ESPN+

Favorite: UCF by 18.5 points

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