UCF football report: Deshawn Pace awaits birth of first child

Deshawn Pace is always one to be ready.

That preparedness has helped the fifth-year senior become one of the most versatile defenders on the UCF roster. Whether playing linebacker or safety, Pace is always ready to step in where needed.

That includes being a future father.

Pace is expecting his first child any day now, which has kept him on his toes as he awaits the birth of his daughter.

“I’m supposed to be leaving on the 11th to go back [to Ohio],” Pace explained during the Knights’ media day. “That’s the plan unless I get a call before then.”

While many of his teammates were enjoying EA Sports’ College Football 25 video game before the start of fall camp, Pace was back home in Cincinnati helping to put together the baby’s nursery.

“I got her bassinet and crib put up,” he said. “I did get to play the game, but it wasn’t until 3 a.m.”

Pace isn’t the only player on the UCF roster with children, so he didn’t have to look far when he needed advice about being a parent.

“It helped me out and made me seem a bit calmer,” Pace said.

He looks forward to being in the room when his daughter is born.

“I want to be there to catch the baby. I’m really excited about that,” he said.

Step forward: Fifth-year senior Ricky Barber hopes to put last season’s disappointment in the rear-view mirror. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle finished with career lows in tackles (18), tackles for loss (2), sacks (1.5) and quarterback hurries (2) while dealing with an undisclosed injury.

After an offseason of rest and rehabilitation, Barber is ready to return to elite form in his final season.

“I’m in the same shape I was when I was an all-conference selection,” he said, referencing his junior year when he totaled 49 tackles, 9 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. “I’m feeling back to that caliber, so I’m trying to maintain it and keep it through the season.”

Step back: Coach Gus Malzahn was asked about his disappointment following last season’s 6-7 record, the Knights’ first losing season since 2016. “I feel like our team has a chip on their shoulders, and if that didn’t leave a sour taste in our mouths then there is something wrong with us.”

Trainer’s room: Safety Demari Henderson is expected to miss significant time with an undisclosed injury, so finding his replacement for the time being is a point of concern in fall camp. “With a player of that caliber, it’s always going to be hard,” said cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed. “We did a great job in the transfer portal to find some guys to hold down that spot. Those guys have been playing with their hair on fire.”

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com