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When the Knights trot onto the field at Croke Park in 20 days in Dublin to take on Penn State, redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo will be the starting quarterback. Head coach George O'Leary named DiNovo the man following Sunday's practice.
Head Coach George O'Leary informs media after practice today that if the PSU game took place tomorrow, Pete DiNovo would start
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 10, 2014
The Tarpon Springs, Fl native beat out fellow Class of 2013 member Justin Holman, Boise State transfer Nick Patti, and true freshman Tyler Harris. Following the early season departure of Tyler Gabbert, Holman was Bortles' backup last season and the only QB on the roster to see game action at UCF.
O'Leary did say following practice that it was a close competition.
George O'Leary says Pete DiNovo is the number 1 QB with Holman and Patti 2a and 2b and Harris 3. QBs were notified after practice.
— UCFMarcDaniels (@ucf_marcdaniels) August 10, 2014
DiNovo was a three star prospect according to Rivals coming out of East Lake High School and the #66 pocket passer in his class per ESPN. He won the Kodak Award last year which is given to the best player on UCF's scout team.
If recent history is any indication, DiNovo might not be the only QB to take snaps this season. From 2008 to 2010, the player who began the season as the starter at quarterback did not start the final game.
In 2011, Bortles took major reps away from starter Jeff Godfrey. Bortles finally stabilized the position starting every game the last two seasons.