Knights have three ‘No. 1’ running backs

With the start of the regular season approaching, players are separating themselves from the rest and plenty of position battles are starting to wrap up.

One position battle that may be a bit more difficult to narrow down is that at running back, where the Knights have three talented players competing for the starting job and carries.

It's not a bad problem to have.

With a lot of the attention of defensive coordinators this season being directed toward Jeff Godfrey and the Knights' passing attack, they may quietly have one of the better running back rotations around.

"Of course I'd say (it's one of the best running back rotations) in the conference," redshirt junior Brynn Harvey said.

Between Harvey, redshirt senior Ronnie Weaver and redshirt junior Latavius Murray, UCF looks to have a host of talent and experience looking to move the chains.

Harvey may be the back that Knights fans are most eager to see back in action. Harvey had a breakout year two seasons ago in 2009, playing a key role in UCF's trip to a bowl game. He entered last season as the preseason pick for Conference USA's Offensive Player of the Year. Harvey suffered an injury before the season kicked off, however, and didn't play a down in 2010.

Despite this setback, players like Murray and Weaver stepped up for UCF in 2010, creating what is now a very competitive atmosphere as preseason camp progresses.

It is a competition the players believe will make them all better.

"I know it makes me run a lot harder when I do get my chance to go in there," Murray said. "I just know I've got to make something happen. There's a lot of other backs trying to do the same. It just keeps me competing."

Regardless of which player ends up at No. 1 on the depth chart and starts, all three can expect to get carries, as the coaching staff has openly talked about taking advantage of their depth at the position by spreading out the carries.

Still, all three players are working hard to earn the starting position.

"It's real important to start, especially in this program," Harvey said. "It's just a good feeling to get a start in…

"That's what makes each of us work even harder: competing for a starting job."

Most recently, following Saturday's final scrimmage of preseason camp, it was Weaver who stood out to coach George O'Leary.

"I thought the running backs ran very well (today)," O'Leary said. "I think Weaver stood out the most as far as getting the tough yardage, the hidden yardage."

Saturday's scrimmage was the last practice open to the public. With school starting Monday, the Knights had Sunday off and are going to be altering their practice schedule after going every day for the first portion of camp.

UCF will open the fast-approaching season on Sept. 3 against Charleston Southern, and O'Leary says the coaching staff will likely start game-planning this week on Thursday.

It is likely that distribution of carries and the depth chart at running back will be an important point of conversation as that preparation begins.