May 23, 2025

University Recruiting Strategies Under UCF’s New Leadership

News Summary

Travis Gabriel, head coach of Olympia High’s football team, praises UCF’s innovative recruitment methods under Scott Frost. UCF prioritizes evaluating potential over star rankings, demonstrated by the commitment of local standout player Ja’Cari Jackson. The coaching staff, now with an increased number of UCF alumni, focuses on developing players with high potential and resilience, aligning with a broader trend in college football to find overlooked talent. Gabriel emphasizes a player-first mentality, fostering commitment and hard work for a competitive program.

Orlando – Travis Gabriel, the head coach of Olympia High’s football team since 2018, has expressed enthusiasm for the innovative recruiting efforts of the University of Central Florida (UCF) football program under coach Scott Frost. Gabriel commended the UCF coaching staff’s distinct and authentic recruitment strategy, which prioritizes evaluating potential over star rankings or prior offers from other schools.

Gabriel’s excitement is particularly influenced by the commitment of his standout player, Ja’Cari Jackson, to UCF. Jackson, an Orlando native, initially held only one Division I offer from Mercer before UCF showed interest. This underlines the school’s dedication to identifying talent that aligns with its program values rather than being swayed by hype or preconceived notions.

Under Scott Frost, UCF’s coaching staff for 2025 boasts the highest number of UCF alumni compared to past teams, indicating a strong bond with the institution and its football tradition. Frost’s coaching deal has been reported at $22.1 million over five years, which could potentially extend to a sixth year if the Knights reach a bowl game in the coming seasons.

Recently, UCF secured a commitment from a player touted as a potential future quarterback. Meanwhile, Davi Belfort is another player expected to return to Florida, as the team prepares to address specific needs following the recent closure of the spring recruiting window.

Player Development and Commitment

Gabriel praised Jackson’s versatility, noting his experience playing multiple roles such as defensive back, receiver, and quarterback during his debut season at Olympia. Despite being relatively inexperienced as a defensive back, Jackson quickly adjusted and made significant contributions, including two interceptions and multiple touchdowns. His remarkable performance accounts for 1,245 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns, illustrating his capability as a player and his determination on the field.

Gabriel highlighted Jackson’s competitive spirit, recounting an instance where Jackson insisted on remaining in the game despite fatigue, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the team. This determination is further fueled by the support he receives from his younger brother, Shamarion Ware, who lives with sickle cell disease. This familial bond serves as a powerful inspiration for Jackson in his athletic journey.

UCF’s Broader Vision

Gabriel’s approach to player development and unconventional recruiting tactics reflect UCF’s wider vision for cultivating a competitive football program. By focusing on players with high potential, rather than those with established accolades, UCF aims to build a roster that embodies the principles of hard work, resilience, and a team-first mentality.

The Knights’ recruiting strategy appears to align with a broader trend in college football, where programs are increasingly looking for diamonds in the rough—players who may not have been heavily recruited elsewhere but possess the skills and determination to succeed at the collegiate level. Gabriel’s insights into UCF’s philosophy offer a glimpse into how the program intends to navigate the competitive landscape in college football as it strives for success on and off the field.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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