The seventh UCF mailbag of the offseason addresses questions about which players the Knights are taking with them to Big 12 Media Days, which non-quarterback position could help lead the team to a bowl game and which video games I grew up on.
What do you make of the player selection for UCF for Big 12 Media Days? Is there a message in the fact that it doesn’t include a QB? — @2letters2words
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“It isn’t surprising that the four players UCF chose to bring with them to Texas next week are all seniors. These players are expected to take on significant leadership roles for the Knights this upcoming season. Paul Rubelt has been the face of the program since Scott Frost‘s arrival, while Myles Montgomery, Nyjalik Kelly, and Keli Lawson are anticipated to play important roles on the team.
“The decision not to bring a quarterback suggests that the coaching staff isn’t ready to name a starter yet. If they brought one or two quarterbacks, it would imply those players are frontrunners for the position. Therefore, it may be better in the long run to leave a quarterback off the list. I believe we won’t know who the starter is until the first week of the season.”
If there’s a non-QB position that could lead UCF to a bowl game, which might that be for this team? — @kruciff.bsky.social
“Aside from the quarterback position, the defensive front stands out as a key area that could propel the Knights toward a postseason run. This group is one of the most experienced and talented on the roster, featuring returnees like Malachi Lawrence, Nyjalik Kelly, and John Walker. The new additions of transfers RJ Jackson Jr., Sincere Edwards, and Horace Lockett bring in the much-needed depth that the unit requires.
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Last season, UCF recorded only 22 sacks, placing them in the middle tier within the Big 12. However, the defensive front showed significant progress in run-stopping. Enhancing their performance in this area could be crucial for the Knights as they aim for a successful season.”
Are any taxes being withheld from athletes now being paid by universities? Or are these athletes considered independent contractors like pro wrestlers? — @MrEd315
“Tax rules do apply to athletes who receive money as part of the revenue-sharing process. Some institutions offer tax support and education, but it’s up to those athletes or their representatives to ensure they withhold enough money for taxes at the end of the year.
“Athletes would, in essence, be considered independent contractors, which means they don’t receive any of the benefits associated with an employee. That means while they have more flexibility in managing their money, they don’t receive things such as health insurance and a 401K retirement plan.”
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With the upcoming release of the new college football game, did you ever play sports games on video game systems? What were some of your favorite video games, if you had any growing up? — @ucfguy1203.bsky.social.
“My childhood did include playing sports video games, at first with the Atari 2600, followed by the Commodore 64 and then the Sega Genesis systems. Some of my favorites include Summer Games (C64) and Winter Games (C64), as well as Hardball! (C64) along with John Madden football (C64, Sega) and eventually College Football’s National Championship (Sega).”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
