When UCF offensive lineman Cole Schneider takes the field for the Hula Bowl on Saturday, he’ll be blocking for a former teammate of his — quarterback McKenzie Milton.
The two are joining forces as Team AINA, led by former Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith, takes on Team Kai, guided by former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick, in the 76th annual Hula Bowl at UCF’s Bounce House Stadium at noon.
“It’s going to be so special,” Schneider said about playing with Milton again. “Like 2018, 2019, it’s amazing. He’s someone so amazing on the field, someone dedicated and motivated. You love to play for someone like that.”
Schneider and Milton played alongside each other with the Knights, before the latter transferred to Florida State last offseason. The two have been practicing once again at UCF.
“It’s great, home-field advantage is one big thing,” Schneider said. “It’s nice to be back here with KZ, kind of where I started out at so it’s a good way to send it off.”
More than 100 professional scouts from the NFL also are in Orlando observing and evaluating talent for April’s draft.
Schneider, who earned second-team All-AAC honors from Pro Football Focus this past season, said he’s getting plenty of feedback from scouts.
“They’re telling me a lot of good things with my agility, speed, get-up,” he said. “Also a lot of things I need to work on, too, so I really appreciate that as well. It’s stuff that I can install in my game and hone in on.”
While he appeared mostly at offensive guard throughout his UCF career, Schneider did play center. Playing multiple positions on the offensive line is something the scouts have focused on.
“That’s what most of the discussions been about, a lot of versatility,” Schneider said. “Playing in the middle, how am I snapping. … I’ve got a couple of games that had me at center, so I’ve been able to reinforce my words behind my versatility.”
Schneider also is picking up tips from his new Hula Bowl teammates from around the Sunshine State.
“I’ve talked to Miami, Florida, Florida State guys, kind of pick their brains a little bit and see what their coaches taught them,” he said. “But at the same time, being super coachable because we’ve got a great coach over here who’s teaching us a lot.”
Schneider shared what he’s hoping to accomplish during Saturday’s game, which airs on CBS Sports Network.
“I really want to show a lot of things I haven’t been able to in the past couple of years,” he said. “Like stuff I’m working on out here.”
Schneider is just happy to have one last opportunity to play inside the Bounce House alongside Milton.
“It’s been a great experience.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.
