AAC Spring Practice: Biggest Questions for Each Team

Oct 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights linebacker Troy Gray (57) and defensive back Jacoby Glenn (12) celebrate a defensive stop in the fourth quarter as the Knights beat the Brigham Young Cougars 31-24 in overtime at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

UCF Knights

Biggest Question: Who will step up in the defensive back seven with five starters gone? 

George O’Leary is slowly building a strong college football program at Central Florida, and as the largest public school in the heart of the state that keeps winning, make no mistake about it. The UCF Knights are in the perfect position to become another college football powerhouse if all the pieces are properly in place.

The Knights have proven that they do not rebuild, but they reload, after winning their conference again despite the loss of Blake Bortles and a host of other talent. This year, the offense is not the question, it is the defense, in particular the back seven.

Can O’Leary reload on this end?

Two of three linebackers are gone, and three of four defensive backs are gone. With everything combined, the Knights have to replace a lot and bring in lots of young talent, and this spring is where that will have to be showcased.

Errol Clarke and Jacoby Glenn are expected to be the superstars of this group, but they can’t do things by themselves. They are going to have to help develop a new cast of talent in this area if anything good is to come of this.

And we will see how well that works out in the spring.