UCF position preview: Quarterback

The first in a position-by-position look at the 2024 Knights leading up to fall camp:

TODAY: QUARTERBACK

What to expect

KJ Jefferson will undoubtedly be the starter when the Knights open the season against New Hampshire on Aug. 29. The fifth-year senior arrived in Orlando after five seasons at Arkansas, where he shattered numerous passing records with the Razorbacks. His experience in the SEC and skillset made him the perfect person to lead the team in Year 2 of the Big 12.

“He’s a veteran guy and he’s played a lot of football — a lot of successful football,” coach Gus Malzahn recently told the Orlando Sentinel. “He’s come in and he’s gotten to know his teammates and he’s worked outside of what we’ve what we’re doing and he’s got a really good skillset for what we like to do.”

Timmy McClain ’s departure necessitated going after Jacurri Brown , who gives the Knights experience behind Jefferson. The redshirt sophomore appeared in nine games for the Miami Hurricanes during the past two seasons, throwing for 411 yards with 4 TDs and 4 INTs while rushing for 278 yards with 2 TDs.

Dylan Rizk earned valuable time as an early enrollee last season, appearing in one game (Villanova) before redshirting. Riley Trujillo joined the program as an early enrollee this January, most likely working on the scout team with fellow freshman EJ Colson.

On the roster

Dylan Rizk, RS-Fr.

Brock Hansel, RS-So.

Departures

John Rhys Plumlee (eligibility)

Timmy McClain (transfer to Arkansas State)

Gunnar Smith (transfer to Highland CC)

Arrivals

KJ Jefferson (transfer from Arkansas)

Jacurri Brown (transfer from Miami)

Riley Trujillo (signee)

EJ Colson (signee)

Projected depth chart

QB1 — KJ Jefferson

QB2 — Jacurri Brown

QB3 — Dylan Rizk

QB4 — Riley Trujillo

QB5 — EJ Colson

Coming Sunday: Running back

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com