A year ago, John Rhys Plumlee stepped into unfamiliar territory as UCF's starting quarterback. Fresh from his January enrollment, he was still acclimating to the program and his new role. Fast forward to today, and Plumlee has assumed the mantle of team leadership.
Reflecting on his journey, Plumlee remarked, "I know the offense a lot better than I did a year ago. I've played at the Bounce House before. Been around my teammates a little bit more than I had been a year ago today. Still super, super excited, though. I think that's kind of the difference one year ago to today."
One key figure in Plumlee's growth is offensive coordinator Darin Hinshaw.
"He has helped me a ton footwork wise about how to navigate a pocket a lot better than I did last year. How to be able to make platform throws and off-platform throws a lot more accurate with a lot more zip on them too."
"I think he's helped me playing the quarterback position the right way. There's little tips and tricks that he has kind of learned over the years, and he's done himself as well. He's helped me a ton just develop as a passer, as a quarterback, mentally in the game as well. He's helped me a ton."
Plumlee credits Hinshaw for imparting the correct way to play the quarterback position, sharing invaluable insights gathered over the years.
The competition for the center position yielded both Drake Metcalf and Bula Schmidt earning starting roles. Metcalf secured the center position, with Schmidt positioned at left guard.
"Super excited for those guys and super confident in them as well," Plumlee said. "I think that's the big piece, right? You don't want to go out there with somebody you're not confident in. Really all three of those guys I would have been confident in."
"So I'm super excited for Drake. Bula at left guard is something I'm excited about too. I don't know if y'all know much about Bula, but Bula's got something about him that's just a little bit different. He's got a little bit of an edge. He's gritty. He has fun playing ball. Those are the kind of guys you really, really love playing football with. I'm super excited to have those two in the starting five for sure."
Another player generating excitement is wide receiver Xavier Townsend, whom Plumlee believes is poised for a breakthrough season.
"X is unbelievable," Plumlee said. "What I really, really like about X is he's one of the hardest workers in the building. You'll see him every day, no matter what we've done. Fall camp practice, whether it's Tuesday, heavy (lift) day, X is going to be staying after doing something. A lot of times guys will be showered and leaving and X is just getting into the locker room. It's something that I really, really respect about X."
"Obviously the talent speaks for itself. He's unbelievable. He's explosive as well. I'm super, super excited to be able to play with him and have the opportunity to throw to him this year."
John Rhys Plumlee's growth and dedication are apparent as he prepares to lead UCF into the upcoming season. Armed with a deep understanding of the offense, improved skills, and a solid supporting cast, Plumlee is poised to leave his mark as the quarterback and face of the program.
