Bringing a Third Dimension to the Game: UCF QB John Rhys Plumlee Looking to Impress in 2023
John Rhys Plumlee didn't end up getting the starting job at Ole Miss. That didn't change the fact he's been one of the most electric mobile quarterbacks seen in recent history across college football.
Since his transfer to UCF, he's brought the Knights to new heights. The team didn't quite achieve what it wanted to in 2022, finishing out with an overall record of 9-5, but did reach some incredible high points.
"I think I bring a lot to the table, probably different from most guys," Plumlee told me when I sat down with him at the Manning Passing Academy.
"I feel like a third dimension to the game with things like my legs. Leadership qualities, I think I check all the boxes as well. Im excited about this season and how I can put it all together."
One of the biggest instances in which his full skillset was on display was during the regular season matchup between UCF and Tulane. The Knights emerged victorious from the ordeal, 38-31.
"I think the first Tulane one was really big for us," Plumlee said. "Going to their place and beating them was a big momentum builder for and built a deep run. I'm hoping to stay healthy this year so we can go further."
And Plumlee could not be more optimistic about that and the offense in 2023.
"Coach (Gus) Malzahn calling the offense to coach Hinshaw calling the offense. Coach Hinshaw has given me more freedom to check plays into what I see fit. To make sure we are in the right look for the play we want to run and so I'm looking forward to being in a better position because of that."
Things will be different beyond the passing of the reins of the play-calling as well. Conference realignment has obviously had a major effect on college football -- UCF among those teams specifically included.
"I think as UCF we're really looking forward to being in the Big 12," Plumlee said. "I think a lot of more eyeballs in the Big 12 versus the American (conference). Wins always matter but wins almost mean a little bit more than they do in the AAC, playing the higher caliber teams. As far as game planning and stuff goes, it's going to be the same. Excited about going to some new places and seeing some new things."
Moving forward into the Big 12, Plumlee is looking forward to playing higher-level competition and showing what he can do beyond on the ground at full capacity.
"Last year, I was so beat up and it affected us unbelievably," Plumlee said.
"I ran the ball a ton and I'm looking forward to this year, personal goal-wise, to really stretch the field vertically and I think people know what I can do with my feet. But I really want to put on display what I can do with my arm."
A dual-sport athlete, Plumlee feels playing baseball as well helps him in a way as a quarterback, though doing both at the same time early on did come with its challenges.
"Early on in high school, it would take me a couple of weeks to transition from football to baseball, being able to throw the football like I want to," Plumlee said.
There are things from each sport that cross over to another, and it's something Plumlee has noticed between football and baseball.
"This spring, doing both, I was doing football in the morning and baseball in the afternoon and really forced myself to be able to make that transition really fast and ultimately got really good at it. I did have a little bit of trouble going from one to the other but find myself not using a baseball throw to model a football throw, but a baseball swing to me almost emulates a little more of a football throw, so kind of using little tidbits from a baseball coach's hitting coach perspective and trying to apply it to a football throw, has helped me a lot and coach Hinshaw has really coached me up a lot."
Within his game specifically regarding football, he feels he emulates a lot of Drew Brees and watches a lot of tape between the former New Orleans Saints quarterback and NFL legend Brett Favre, also taking away some things from Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen to apply to himself.
"I really grew up watching Brett Favre, Drew Brees, those guys," Plumlee said. "Drew looks a lot like me. Maybe not 6 foot 4, but taking every throw and being really accurate as well. Favre being from Mississippi, I'm a Mississippi guy and I love watching him and the grit he had playing and the way that he came about and played the game was fun to watch for me."
What the future holds for Plumlee will be something to keep an eye on as he looks to make a statement in what could be a pivotal season for him that starts with a matchup against Kent State on Aug. 31.
