ORLANDO, Fla. – Ten UCF football players have opted not to play during the 2020 season over concerns about COVID-19, head coach Josh Heupel said.
The players who have filed paperwork to skip the season are: redshirt junior quarterback Darriel Mack Jr.; redshirt senior defensive back Tay Gowan; redshirt junior defensive lineman Khalia Davis; defensive lineman Mason Cholewa; cornerback Devunte Dawson; offensive linemen Allan Adams; defensive back Elijah Benoit; defensive lineman Kendrick Wilson; Lamarius Benson; and Adrian Medley
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Heupel said he supports those who made the decision.
“Everybody’s perspective and situation with COVID is different, and they’re all valid and real. It’s the most unique thing that most of us have ever encountered in our lifetime,” he said. “We’ve tried to educate our guys continuously as to what the best practices are and educate them on what we’re doing here to try and keep them as safe as possible. Each of these kids that chose to opt out have different reasons behind their decision. They’re valid. They’re real. We support those guys, and we’ll continue to help them.”
UCF is ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25.
THREAD: Full comment from #UCF Head Coach Josh Heupel on the 10 players opting out of the upcoming football season @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/iW4Qab7wG4
— Nathaniel Rivas (@nathanielrivas9) September 1, 2020
#UCF Head Coach saying 10 players opting out of the upcoming 2020 football season. Tay Gowan and Darriel Mack, Jr., among the players not playing
— Nathaniel Rivas (@nathanielrivas9) September 1, 2020
Heupel on QB McKenzie Milton: “I don’t think he will be ready for Week 1” and admires how Milton continues to “defy the odds”
— Nathaniel Rivas (@nathanielrivas9) September 1, 2020