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McKenzie Milton backs Alonza Barnett III as UCF’s QB1 despite cautious spring return
TL;DR
McKenzie Milton supports Alonza Barnett III as UCF's starting quarterback despite a cautious return this spring. Milton, now a coach, aims to revitalize the Knights' offense after a disappointing season.
Key points
- McKenzie Milton supports Alonza Barnett III as QB1
- Milton is now a coach after his playing career ended due to injuries
- UCF had a disappointing 5-7 record last season
- Scott Frost is the head coach of UCF
- Milton aims to revitalize the Knights' offense
Mentioned in this story
McKenzie MiltonAlonza Barnett IIIUCFScott Frost
(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
Head coach Scott Frost didn’t need to search long to find the right coach for UCF’s quarterbacks.
McKenzie Milton was the heartbeat of the Knights’ undefeated 2017 season and, after injuries derailed his playing career, transitioned to the sideline. Now 28, he’s tasked with helping Frost reignite an offense that stalled during their 5-7 return to Orlando.
Milton believes he’s found the right trigger man.
Enter James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III, a savvy, dangerous dual-threat quarterback who reminds Milton of himself — then and now.
“He sees it like a coach in terms of protection, anticipating windows, getting his team in and out of the right play,” Milton said Saturday after UCF concluded spring practices. “When he came down here on his visit and we sat and talked, I knew I was talking to a professional.
“That’s the kind of guy you need to win championships.”
The Knights have had to wait to fully appreciate Barnett’s impact.
UCF has taken what Frost called an “ultra-cautious” approach this spring as Barnett nurses an injury.
Speaking publicly for the first time since enrolling in January, Barnett said he’ll be ready for summer workouts as the Knights eye their Sept. 3 opener at home against Bethune-Cookman.
“It was something we took day by day,” Barnett said Saturday, wearing a sleeve on his right leg. “It got to a point where it was like, ‘for what, for why?’”
The 6-foot, 217-pound quarterback said he has remained front and center however he can.
“I’ve still been running, still been lifting, staying engaged with teammates — just on a smaller scale,” he said.
Barnett has overcome adversity before.
The Greensboro, N.C., native tore his right ACL in James Madison’s final game of the 2024 season but returned the following year to lead the Dukes to the College Football Playoff. He earned Sun Belt Player of the Year honors after accounting for 3,395 yards of total offense and 38 touchdowns.
Still, Barnett isn’t leaning on past success as he steps into the Big 12, where UCF finished 2-7 in conference play last season and tied for 13th.
Q&A
Who is Alonza Barnett III and why is he UCF's QB1?
Alonza Barnett III is UCF's starting quarterback, backed by McKenzie Milton, who believes in his potential to lead the team.
What challenges did McKenzie Milton face in his playing career?
McKenzie Milton faced significant challenges due to injuries that ultimately derailed his playing career.
How did UCF perform last season under head coach Scott Frost?
UCF had a disappointing 5-7 record last season, prompting a need for revitalization in their offense.
What is McKenzie Milton's role with UCF now?
McKenzie Milton has transitioned to a coaching role, focusing on helping to improve the Knights' offense.