FRIGHT KNIGHT
A program that has historically centered their brand identity around signing ‘hometown heroes‘ like RJ Harvey and the Griffin twins, may have just fumbled.
In a shocking expose, Kaven Call (Apopka, Florida) announced his entrance into the transfer portal, with a devastating bombshell. Named a top prospect in Orlando Sentinel Super 60 for 2023, who helped the football program at Apopka High School to the state title game three times in four seasons, Call’s commitment to ‘Orlando’s Hometeam’ was a easy win for both sides.
Unfortunately, this picture perfect match only lasted twenty games. On Tuesday night, Call confirmed his exit from the UCF Knights.
I would like to say thank you to the UCF staff and those who have helped me along the way. I would also like to thank the UCF fans for always supporting since Day 1. With that being said, I will be officially entering the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/UYbcc8wIfP
— Kaven Call (@Kavencall7) October 22, 2024
WHEN A STRAW MEETS A CAMEL
According to Kaven’s open letter, trouble began brewing in September.
Coach Ross Newton, who serves as Coach Malzhan’s chief of staff, allegedly informed the hometown hero that he would be kicked off of the team, and expected to clean out his locker, if Kaven decided to use his one-time redshirt. Now, we have a problem.
Every college athlete is allowed one free-use redshirt season at any point during his or her career. They essentially have five years to play four if they choose to do so. Attempting to block a talented freshmen from doing what works is illogical, especially has the Knight’s season seems to be on a decline. Regardless of what the truth of this situation may prove to be, this is a severe off-field collapse for a program that really didn’t need any new distractions as they attempt to savage this season.
PREDICTION: THIS MIGHT BE IT, COACH
College football has always been big business.
In the ancient days of my youth, Central Florida never stood a chance on the recruiting trail. Competing with the traditional in-state (and out of state) powers for big name prospects was a waste of time during the Mid-American, and Conference USA days. Much have change since those foundational years of UCF Knights quietly finding diamonds in the rough like Daunte Culpepper, Kevin Smith and Brandon Marshall.
Nowadays, countless higher profile players like Florida State’s DJ Uiagalelei, Miami’s Cam Ward, the NFL’s Bo Nix and famously Utah’s longtime star quarterback Cameron Rising have skillfully leveraged college football’s redshirt rules to boost their career, and eventual NFL Draft stock. And, that was before NIL money became a serious factor. Now, college football is bigger business than it’s ever been.
Seeing this, and knowing this. Why would the UCF Knight risk the stigma of undermining their young, bright stars? Read the room. And, if Coach Gus Malzhan was unaware of threats being made by one of the most senior members of his staff, on his behalf, then why he still have a job? These are questions that need answers.
FOR THE MEMBERS
Losing to Colorado, and finishing well-below exceptions in conference (1-3 vs. conference opponents, at the moment) won’t cost Coach Gus Malzahn his job, but this easily avoidable scandal could do the trick for me, and many other fans in Orlando.
Malzhan’s Knights continue to struggle in the wake of a four game losing streak, amplified by nagging questions about everything from his play calling acumen to his roster decisions; and things just got way worse in Orlando, seemly overnight.
BUSINESS DECISION ARE LOOMING
But, questions about Coach Malzhan’s credibility have never really seemed valid until now, even as lackluster on-field performances stack up. Quiet stability, and steady leadership, were a hallmark of this era of UCF Knights football.
A veteran leader to guide the relatively young program into its expansion, and provide a refreshing air of cohesion after the Scott Frost days. It’s biggest selling point of a program that has enjoyed punching above their weight in recent recruitment cycles, by locking down the talent-rich Central Florida market, all while UF and FSU look as unstable as possible. All that changes, depending on what happens with this investigation.
At this time, the Knight’s have not formally responded to Kaven Call’s letter, but there needs to be a response very soon, because the silent repercussions will reflect in local talent forsaking the Knights for player-friendlier options, like USF, FAMU and Miami. If these allegations are proven, Apopka’s hometown hero will not be the only big name departing the UCF Knights.
Watch for updates.
