The ending of the War On I-4 rivalry game between UCF and South Florida in November came down to the final play.

But it likely didn’t have to be that way.

Trailing 17-13 with 1:20 left, Bulls freshman quarterback Timmy McClain was picked off by Divaad Wilson, likely securing the win in favor of the Knights.

The turnover, however, didn’t count as Big Kat Bryant jumped offsides and USF was able to march down the field.

That mistake is still used as an example this spring by defensive coordinator Travis Williams.

“Those are the things we show the guys,” Williams said. “The game was supposed to be over. They shouldn’t have even gotten down to the 3-yard line.”

Focusing on a quarterback’s hard count in the red zone is something the Knights worked on during Saturday’s practice, which instead of a scrimmage was mostly situational work.

In addition to avoiding offsides, Williams is stressing communication on defense.

“A quiet defense is not a good defense,” he said. “We want them to talk and be confident.

“I want to hear the chaos of talking. Whether it’s the safeties coming down saying, ‘sky left, sky right,’ or whatever verbiage we’re using, let’s talk. The more you talk, the more confident you are. As coaches, it’ll make you feel a lot better.”

One Knight who is being vocal is Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, UCF’s only starter at linebacker returning.

“I love being around him,” Williams said about the senior. “He breaks down the huddle and he’s communicating. He’s a guy that you can hear.”

Other linebackers emerging alongside Jean-Baptiste is what Williams hopes to see in the remaining two weeks of spring camp. The Knights lack experience at the position.

Jean-Baptiste is joined by junior Quade Mosier and redshirt freshmen Cole Joyce and Kadeem Leonard. Mosier has mostly come off the bench on defense while appearing on special teams for two years.

Leonard and Joyce, who appeared in one game, took a redshirt while spending most of 2021 with the scout team.

“All of those guys are battling for playing time,” Williams said. “All of those guys are trying to do everything I ask of them.”

The young group of linebackers is looking up to Jean-Baptiste as well.

“They’re leaning on him,” Williams said. “He does a good job coaching them up and spending extra time with the guys. It’s important to him.”

Williams will be listening closely for communication on defense when UCF practices again Tuesday, before a second spring scrimmage Thursday.

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

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