UCF Holds First Kickoff Luncheon in Big 12 Conference
UCF held their 2023 Kickoff Luncheon today at Addition Financial Arena. The event brought local dignitaries and donors together with athletes, coaches, and staff of the UCF program to celebrate the 2023 season and the Knights first year in the Big 12 Conference.
You don’t want to get him mad on the field.
– Josh Celsicar, UCF defensive end, comparing teammate Lee Hunter to the Hulk
The event was emceed by Marc Daniels, the voice of the Knights. He interviewed the offensive and defensive captains on traditional football related questions but also mixed in some light hearted questions such as matching up Marvel characters to their teammates. One of note was Lee Hunter being matched up as the Hulk. Defensive end, Josh Celiscar, stated “you don’t want to get him mad on the field.”
Guests also heard from Alex Cartwright UCF President, Terry Mohajir Athletic Director, and Gus Malzahn Head Football Coach. Terry Mohajir reiterated his prior commitment to ensuring all UCF athletes receive 100% job placement upon graduating. A commitment that Mohajir has stated that personally is very important to him.
“We’re about that close of completely kicking the door down on recruiting. We’re in the top 25 right now. I told our staff our goal is to be top 20 by the time 13 days coming. And it kicks off college football.”
– Gus Malzahn
One of the biggest points of interest came when Gus Malzahn discussed the state of their current recruiting. The Knights currently have the #1 recruiting class in the Big 12 & #25 nationally. Malzahn may have dropped a hint on more big commitments coming soon when he stated, “We’re about that close of completely kicking the door down on recruiting. We’re in the top 25 right now. I told our staff our goal is to be top 20 by the time 13 days coming. And it kicks off college football.”
The Knights first game is Thursday, August 31 at their home inside FBC Mortgage stadium. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. and will be televised on FS1.
Photo credit: (cover)Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports; (gallery)Sean Russell & Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports
