ORLANDO, Fla. — The Big 12 era officially began to feel real on Monday when UCF football took the field for the first day of fall camp. 

When the team took to the practice field on Monday, with their helmets showing 'Big 12" logos, there was a positive sense of energy and excitement.

However, Coach Gus Malzahn was hesitant to focus on that, saying they are prioritizing focusing on themselves rather than any outside noise about their conference move.

"We’re really focused on us right now," Malzahn said. "Our key is going to be us being a close team. It’s gonna be about us being able to count on the guy beside you."

The players, like RJ Harvey, feel that the energy is there when it comes to their future in the conference, but also being back out on the field together.

"Everybody was excited today, everybody was happy to get back on the grass together, it’s a big year in the Big 12 now," said Harvey, a redshirt senior running back. "Everybody's just excited. Everybody’s juiced up, we’re ready to go."

Practice looked a little different from Malzahn's perspective, as he had been the primary play caller previously. UCF brought in Darin Hinshaw as the team's new offensive coordinator. He returned to the Knights after a year in the same role at UAB. Addison Williams was also promoted to defensive coordinator this offseaon.

"It's the first year they’re doing it, it's just a matter of the guys responding to them, the expectations that's set, but I think both of those guys are off to a great start," said Malzahn.

"Really feel like both the guys have the respect of both their players, that's the key. They're both really good people. They care about our players, developed strong relationships with trust, so both of them are doing a great job in that area."

Malzahn said across the board, he has seen more depth and competition at every position group than he can remember as a head coach. He noted the depth specifically at offensive line, which lost key fixtures like Sam Jackson and Ryan Swoboda. One position group is a lock, according to Malzahn, confirming that John Rhys Plumlee will be the starting quarterback. He noted that he's seen a lot of development from Plumlee's leadership between his first year at UCF to the beginning of his second.

"He’s like night and day compared to where he was at the start of this time last year. That's to be expected," said Malzahn. "His leadership has really taken it to the next level. Every championship team I've been a part of, the quarterback has been one of the leaders if not the team leader. He's definitely in that category."

UCF begins its season at home against Kent State on Aug. 31. They will play their first Big 12 conference opponent on Sept. 23, facing Kansas State on the road.