George O’Leary names UCF’s starting QB...sort of

UCF head coach George O’Leary previously stated he would name the Knights’ new starting quarterback Sunday. He didn’t go quite that far.

O’Leary did indicate which quarterback would be the opening-day starter if the season began today.

Head Coach George O’Leary informs media after practice today that if the PSU game took place tomorrow, Pete DiNovo would start

— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 10, 2014

DiNovo is somewhat of a surprise choice to become Blake Bortles’ successor.

Both DiNovo and Justin Holman were recruited in the 2013 class. While DiNovo redshirted, Holman served as Bortles’ primary back and played in three games as a true freshman. O’Leary’s decision indicates DiNovo developed at a greater rate than Holman did between last year and this summer.

With DiNovo leading the way, O’Leary has to determine the rest of the depth chart. Sophomore Nick Patti and freshman Tyler Harris were also a part of the competition. O’Leary has an idea where all four quarterbacks currently stand.

George O’Leary says Pete DiNovo is the number 1 QB with Holman and Patti 2a and 2b and Harris 3. QBs were notified after practice.

— UCFMarcDaniels (@ucf_marcdaniels) August 10, 2014

O’Leary wanted to name his quarterback at this point in the process to build chemistry in the huddle. Now that the coach has indicated which of the signal callers is currently considered the favorite, the Knights can place their full attention on the Penn State Nittany Lions and their meeting Aug. 30 in Dublin, Ireland.