UCF Knights College Football Media Day Quote, 08/04/2021

On moving from the SEC into The American at UCF:

The landscape of college football is changing. You see it almost on a daily basis and I think that’s a good thing for us in the future. We’re one of the programs with a super young fanbase and I think we’re in a great position for whatever that means with conference realignment, name image and likeness, the one-time transfer, all of that together is really good for our program.

On Dillon Gabriel’s growth:

(He does) the extra to try to give our team the best chance to be successful. He’s a big-time quarterback and he’s our leader, he really sets the tone by example. That really is great things on the field on Saturdays.

On what drew him to UCF:

For me it was fit, and I would say most coaches around the country look at this program as a gold mine. I have always thought that at least the last five years, it’s a top-20 job no matter what conference the program is in. It’s one of the best programs in college football and this program has a chip on its shoulder. I’m a former high school coach and have heard that for 15 years and have kind of used that, a chip on my shoulder. You see the future of college football changing, and this is a program where all of those changes are going to be great here. There’s unbelievable potential and it’s an unbelievable place to recruit to. I thought that five months ago before I took the job and I think that even more since I took the job. I’d like this to be my last job and I really think we can win championships here.

QB Dillon Gabriel

On seeing McKenzie Milton return to the field full-time in 2021:

I am super excited for Kenzie, he’s a big bro to me and it reminds me of old days. He’s been through a bunch but got through it and is at where he’s at. I am super excited for him and for both of us.

On how the team has handled the transition to the new coaching staff:

It’s super refreshing being able to learn new terminology and new plays. Getting a new chance to prove yourself again is something that is good for our guys. I personally love Coach Gus, love Coach (G.J.) Kinne, they’ve been nothing but great to me and have pushed me to be my best self. That’s all I can ask for.

DL Kalia Davis

On returning to the field after opting out in 2020:

It was a very tough decision, so I really just had to take it day by day. In July and coming toward the season there were a lot of things in the air about college football. Talking to my family it really helped me make my best decision. But enough of that, I am back here and ready to work.