Scott Frost lauds UCF’s toughness, gives spring update on QB Alonza Barnett III
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It’s just two weeks into UCF‘s spring football camp, but coach Scott Frost has already seen a vast improvement in his squad from a year ago.
The Knights (5-7 in 2025) return a much more experienced roster this time around, with 52 of the nearly 100 players having spent at least two seasons in the program. That doesn’t include the 31 transfers who had experience at other schools.
“We’re definitely a more mature team,” Frost said following the team’s sixth practice Saturday. “We had our scuffle on the field, which happens from time to time and [senior safety] Ty Bartram was walking back toward me, and I asked, ‘Why aren’t you in on that?’ And he goes, ‘Coach, I’m too old to get involved in something like that.’
“We have a lot more guys who are about the right things and all business and out there to get better.”
The biggest question facing Frost and the Knights so far this spring is the health status of starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III. Barnett, a redshirt senior, arrived as a transfer in the offseason following four seasons at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to the College Football Playoff.
He’s been limited throughout camp as a precautionary measure, according to Frost.
“He’s doing a lot of rehabbing right now,” said Frost. “He’s throwing some on his own, mostly working with the trainers and then getting involved in meetings and on the field, taking reps. He’s getting a lot closer, and we’re being really cautious with him to make sure that he’s 100% ready to go before we put him out there.”
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Frost refused to give any details about why Barnett has been limited, only saying, “It’s nothing major and he’s going to be fine. We just wanted to put him in a position to have the best chance to be healthy this year and for the rest of his career, so we’re taking it slow.”
He added, “I’m not concerned. He’s played a lot of football and he’ll catch up really fast, but I don’t think we’re very far away from him being able to take point. I hope that next week, he’s able to do some things and then hopefully that keeps progressing throughout the spring.”
Another aspect of camp that pleases Frost is the team’s overall toughness.
“Toughness takes a lot of forms. The best thing I’ve seen from our team that shows their mental toughness and grit is how they’ve shown up six practices in a row, ready to practice,” explained Frost.
“I was worried about today. We were in the indoor [practice facility] twice this week with the air conditioning on and this is the first time we’ve asked them to come back on a Saturday morning. We went out in the Florida heat, and I expected a bit of a letdown, but it was the exact opposite. That shows their fortitude and mental toughness, to keep coming and showing up, trying to get better.”
Frost indicated that the Knights may not have a “traditional” scrimmage this spring, instead making certain practice periods live.
“We have a lot more experienced players who have made a lot of tackles or have been tackled a lot, so you’ve got to balance guys getting ready to do that in fall with keeping everybody healthy,” he said. “We’re taking a look at that right now.”
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com
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