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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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McKenzie Milton, UCF Knights
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 17: UCF Knights quarterback McKenzie Milton (10) fires a pass during the AutoNation Cure Bowl on December 17, 2016, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl. Arkansas State won the game 31-13. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

30. McKenzie Milton, UCF Football

It is hard to be a freshman coming in and starting for a new team and a new system. Even if that was the system you wanted to play for.

McKenzie Milton was one of Scott Frost’s first recruits after he took over, decommitting from the Oregon Ducks to follow Frost to UCF. That is a lot of faith — especially coming from Hawai’i.

Milton’s freshman year was predictably a struggle. He threw for 1,983 yards and was the starter by the end of the year. But it was clear he was still catching up to the speed of the game and the hyper speed UCF wanted him to play at.

There were bright moments and there were some struggles.

The quarterback of the local team is always going to get special attention. Especially when everyone seems to believe UCF is poised for big things this season. They were projected to finish second in the division, after all. That means everyone is expecting Milton to take a step forward and firmly establish himself in the offense.

With the speed Frost wants his offense to play at, the quarterback has to be able to direct everything and find a rhythm.

The good news is the early signs are Milton will be able to deliver. In the season opener Thursday against FIU, Milton threw for 360 yards and four touchdowns on 16-for-21 passing in the 61-17 victory. Milton threw confidently and commanded the offense.

If there was something that looked like the “leap” for Milton, this was it.

It was just FIU. The test really begins next week against Memphis in the American Conference opener.

But it seems like Milton is preparing to take that next step. And that could take UCF to a whole new level. And get them there fast.

29. Tre’Quan Smith, UCF Football

Milton’s top target, Tre’Quan Smith, has had a big season waiting for a long time now. Really since his freshman year — the year UCF went 0-12 — Smith has been waiting to make his statement on a big stage.

Smith led the team in receptions as a freshman. He was one of the few highlights during that winless season. Smith followed that up with a solid season last year — leading the team with 57 catches and 853 yards.

Smith is a solid receiver with good size. And there is no sign of him stopping his junior year. He was named to the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List. He might well be the best offensive weapons for UCF. And Milton will be looking his way a lot this year.