QB position still unresolved for UCF heading into summer

Justin+Holman+saw+action+in+three+games+in+2013%2C+going+9-14+for+75+yards+and+a+touchdown.

Ty Wright / Valencia Voice

Justin Holman saw action in three games in 2013, going 9-14 for 75 yards and a touchdown.

The UCF football Spring game may have ended in a score of 25-10, but the most important thing that came out of Saturday’s spring game was that UCF head coach George O’Leary said he had picked a starting quarterback.

O’Leary did not name the starter following Saturday’s Spring game, electing to instead announce the naming of the starting quarterback the following Monday.

That WAS the plan.
“After watching the spring and what took place, the staff has decided that we will keep the quarterbacks in place as they have been – with Holman, DiNovo and Harris heading into the preseason,” O’Leary said. “The quarterback that gives us the best opportunity to move the chains and manage the game will be under center against Penn State.”

O’Leary had reported all off season that the competition to replace top NFL prospect Blake Bortles at quarterback would be finalized going into summer. It seemed to be a two horse race between the two returning quarterbacks from last years team.

Sophomore quarterback Justin Holman seemed to separate himself from the pack during the game, as he went 18-31 passing for 165 yards. Holman also rushed for 7 yards on nine attempts.

Redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo however did throw the only passing touchdown of the game, while going 10-20 passing for 117 yards and also throwing an interception. He also ran for 11 yards on six rushes.

Incoming freshman Tyler Harris, who was an early enrollee in the spring, finished the game 5-11 passing for 38 yards, while throwing an interception.

“I do want to see a little more consistency. One big play doesn’t make a quarterback, I think consistent play at quarterback is what you’re looking for,” said O’Leary.

UCF’s veteran wide receiving corps will be vital in helping the growth of whom ever O’Leary chooses to be the starting quarterback.

Another surprise during the spring game was the fact that sophomore running back William Stanback did not take his first snap until the second quarter. He would go on to finish the game with 108 yards and a touchdown on five carries.

Coach O’Leary said the reason Stanback didn’t start the game is because he felt Dontravious Wilson had a better spring than Stanback.

One UCF player who was noticeably absent for Saturday’s spring game was center Joey Grant, who sat out the game with a shoulder injury.

Coach O’Leary said following the game that Grant should be ready to go once players return for preseason camp on July 30th.

UCF will now go into summer individual practices before opening up the regular season in Dublin, Ireland for the Croke Park Classic against Penn State on Saturday, August 30.

(Taken from April 16, 2014 issue)