UCF OC Steve Cooper Getting New QB Ready for Week 3
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UCF Knights offensive coordinator Steve Cooper is focused on preparing the next starting quarterback for Week 3's game against the Georgia State Panthers.
Alonza Barnett III is out for multiple weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in the second-to-last play in the 12-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers last Saturday.
The Knights have depth to withstand Barnett's loss. His backups fit an offense built for dual-threat quarterbacks, but Cooper said he needs to play to his starter's strengths.
"Obviously, I feel good about that because it's not like this guy just showed up and he's been here, knows the offense, but there are certainly things that we need to play to their strengths," Cooper said during Tuesday's media availability.
Keyone Jenkins could be coach Scott Frost's most logical replacement, and ESPN's Pete Thamel expects the FIU transfer to start.
He brings three years of starting experience at his previous program, starting 35 games for the Panthers. The senior threw for 6,721 yards, 42 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, and rushed for 312 yards and 13 touchdowns throughout his FIU career.
Kaleb Annett is the wild card in this discussion, as he hasn't been the focal point of an offense in three years. He was the star at Corona del Mar High School in 2023, leading the team to the Southern Section Division 4 championship game.
He committed to play for the Boise State Broncos, but received no in-game snaps in the past two seasons, prompting his transfer to UCF. The redshirt sophomore reunites with offensive coordinator Steve Cooper, who served as an offensive analyst at Boise State in Annett's freshman season.
Whoever starts between Jenkins and Annett would be the Knights' ninth starter since 2023, highlighting the program's horrible injury luck.
Cooper is also focusing on building continuity with the interior offensive lineman after a poor showing last Saturday.
The Knights' offensive line did a poor job of protecting their quarterback. Pittsburgh's pass rush and blitzes often collapsed the pocket quickly, forcing Barnett to extend plays with his legs or rush a pass.
UCF even gave up its first safety since 2023 against Tulsa, and the offensive line allowed quick pressure to Barnett in their own end zone when Swint fell on the play-action call.
It's a concerning sign to see the interior struggle badly against another Power Four program, and it could change the outlook of the team's performance in Big 12 play.
Cooper is getting the offense prepared to bounce back in Saturday's game against Georgia State and build momentum heading into Big 12 play in two weeks.
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