UCF held its first scrimmage of spring camp Tuesday, and there’s already clarity with the crowded quarterback room.

Sophomore Mikey Keene and Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee are beginning to separate themselves.

According to coach Gus Malzahn, Keene and Plumlee primarily worked with the first string, but did some work with the second string.

True freshman Thomas Castellanos worked with the starters and backups in the second half of the scrimmage, while redshirt sophomore Parker Navarro worked with the second string near the end.

Another indication that Keene and Plumlee are emerging is Malzahn said that Castellanos and Navarro were live during the scrimmage — meaning they could get tackled — while the other two were off limits.

“That was good,” Malzahn said. “It gave them guys a chance to show what they can do and play real football. We may let the other two go live before the end of the spring. We’ll see.”

Offense off to fast start

For starters, there were no major injuries.

The Knights worked mainly in two groups and ran about 81 plays — 70% run and 30% pass on offense — throughout the scrimmage, according to Malzahn.

“It gave us some really good information,” Malzahn said. “And it [gave] everybody a chance to show what they can do.

“We just wanted to see who can block, who can hold onto the ball, who can tackle, and who can get the ball.”

Malzahn said the offense jumped out to a fast start, scoring several times in the first half thanks to explosive plays.

In the second half, however, “it was probably more the defense winning,” Malzahn said.

Cornerbacks Brandon Adams and Davonte Brown each came up with an interception, with Adams returning his for a touchdown.

“They did a really good job, had some three-and-outs and got off the field,” Malzahn said. “It was really good on both sides.”

Bowser gets pro-style treatment

Fifth-year senior running back Isaiah Bowser did not participate. That was by design.

Bowser dealt with knee and ankle injuries last season, which forced him to miss five games, so UCF is aiming to keep him healthy.

The Knights running back still takes part in other practices but is avoiding heavy contact. The staff is treating him like a professional athlete because he returned to school for an extra year.

“He won’t get tackled this spring,” Malzahn said. “We’re going to be very smart with him. He’s doing a whole lot of the bump-tempo stuff.

“He’s improved, you can tell. It’s all about him staying healthy. He’s had a great spring.”

With Bowser watching, junior running back Johnny Richardson had some explosive runs.

“I’d say he’s better than he was last year, too, at this point,” Malzahn said. “Johnny is a lot more confident. This time last year he was kind of feeling himself through and now he’s a really confident running back.”

Richardson wasn’t heavily used during the first scrimmage but made the most out out of his carries.

Instead, redshirt junior Mark-Antony Richards, redshirt freshman Anthony Williams and true freshman Jordan McDonald got a lot of carries.

“It was good to see those guys,” Malzahn said. “I can’t remember a ball on the ground. We were really good at protecting the ball from a running back standpoint last year and that’s continued so far.”

Email Jason Beede at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.

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