Former Sanford Seminole star QB Timmy McClain transfers from South Florida to UCF
UCF plucked one of the Orlando area's most prolific high school passers from its biggest rival.
Timmy McClain committed to the Knights on Friday, less than a week after entering the NCAA's transfer portal. He started nine games for South Florida as a true freshman, but fell behind Baylor transfer Gerry Bohanon on the depth chart.
Blessed to be a UCF Knight ⚔️Charge on 🔋@CoachGusMalzahn @CoachDavidGibbs @UCF_Football @ChipLindsey11 pic.twitter.com/SljiJOQ5SE
— Q (@jahqueal9) August 19, 2022
McClain threw for 1,888 yards with five touchdowns and seven intercepti, completing 55.8% of his attempts and posting an 116.8 efficiency rating. He added 238 rushing yards with four touchdowns, including a 5-yard score in the Bulls' regular season finale at UCF.
Given the timing of the transfer, McClain is ineligible for this coming season and will work with the scout team, Rivals reported earlier Friday. Sophomore incumbent Mikey Keene and Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee are competing for the starting job, with a decision expected to be reached after Saturday's final scrimmage.
The 6-foot-1, 196-pound left-hander starred for four years at nearby Sanford Seminole, leading the 'Noles to the Class 8A state championship in 2020. He totaled 6,351 passing yards, 940 rushing yards and 85 total touchdowns, participating in every game from his freshman year onward.
Seminole went 40-5 with McClain under center. By contrast, South Florida went 2-10 last season, heaping pressure on head coach Jeff Scott as he enters his third year.
McClain joins a growing contingent of Seminole players on UCF roster, and the school is viewed as a recruiting stronghold for Gus Malzahn and his staff. During the 2022 cycle, UCF signed linebacker Kam Moore and twin defensive backs Ja'Cari and Demari Henderson.
Wide receiver Goldie Lawrence, currently committed to Florida State, is still a major target for the 2023 signing class. The Knights have secured commitments from a trio of four-star recruits from neighboring schools in Seminole County, defensive back Braeden Marshall (Lake Mary) and twin linebackers Andrew and Michael Harris (Lake Brantley).
Tight end Jordan Davis, recruited by Josh Heupel's staff, is a redshirt sophomore for the Knights. He followed in the footsteps of older brother Gabe Davis, a starting wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NCAA football: Sanford Seminole star Timmy McClain transfers from South Florida to UCF
