UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has always believed he had the potential to do great things despite sometimes being undervalued and underestimated.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve been overlooked a little bit,” said Plumlee. “I’ve always had the mindset of a hope [for] an opportunity.”
His mindset is a testament to his determination.
It’s something Plumlee’s carried with him throughout his childhood through college. Now, he hopes it leads him to the NFL.
“I prefer to try to raise some eyebrows,” Plumlee said. “That’s the goal: To get an opportunity, take it and run with it.”
While Plumlee put together a successful career as a two-year starter with the Knights — 6,224 yards with 45 touchdowns — he’s not mentioned among the quarterbacks forecasted to be selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft.
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More than likely, he’s projected as a late-round pick or free-agent signing.
That hasn’t stopped Plumlee from believing he’s one of the best quarterbacks available.
“I do [believe] that to my core,” he told the Orlando Sentinel. “[I believe] with the right opportunity, I can be one of the best 32 [quarterbacks] in the world.”
Plumlee has been in Dallas during the past few months, working out and preparing to showcase himself to NFL scouts during the Big 12 Pro Day later this month. He’s been training six days a week alongside college players at Exos, a sports performance training facility in nearby Frisco.
Most mornings start with physical therapy before running and agility drills and shifting focus towards the weight room and lifting. That’s usually followed by throwing drills with the occasional power nap.
“I’ve been doing quarterback work with Jeff Christianson. He trains [Kansas City Chiefs quarterback] Patrick Mahomes and I’ve been throwing a lot with Trey Lance,” said Plumlee.
Lance was the third overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 before he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys last season.
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“I’m throwing the ball better than I ever have before, so I’m excited to show that off as well,” Plumlee said.
Preparing for Pro Days is like offseason workouts in many ways, except at the individual level.
“It’s a little weird because you’re used to being so team-oriented,” said Plumlee. “As a team, you’re getting better, faster and stronger, but now it’s more focused on me. How can I sharpen my game so when I get in front of these people, I can raise some eyebrows.”
Plumlee participated in the Hula and East-West Shrine bowl game to begin his preparations. It was there that the 23-year-old said he connected with about 25 NFL scouts.
Most of their questions centered on Plumlee’s family, background and time at Ole Miss and UCF.
“They’re doing their due diligence, right?” he said. “They are intrigued with my speed, my ability to be athletic and they’re asking about my knee, of course. At that point, you’re just trying to be as transparent as possible.”
Plumlee knew his health would be discussed.
The fifth-year senior injured his right knee during the final minute of UCF’s 18-16 come-from-behind win at Boise State on Sept. 9. It didn’t require surgery, but Plumlee did miss the next three games.
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He returned to start against Kansas on Oct. 7, equipped with a thigh-to-ankle knee brace, but left after a handful of snaps for precautionary reasons. He was back two weeks later against Oklahoma and finished the season as the starter.
The knee is much stronger and he no longer wears a brace.
“I feel good and healthy, he said, “which is a blessing.”
Plumlee could have a better shot at the NFL if he switches positions. He’s capable of doing so, having played two seasons at receiver with Ole Miss (2020-21).
“It’s always nice to be called an athlete, which I take as a compliment. You’re crazy if you turn down an opportunity to play in the NFL,” said Plumlee. “But I’m confident in my ability to play quarterback and excited for the future.”
Plumlee’s athleticism has never been in question.
He split his time between football and baseball at Ole Miss and UCF.
When the football season ended in December, he faced a tough decision — pursue a future in baseball or focus on the NFL draft.
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“It was the dreaded day,” Plumlee said. “I had to pick.”
He chose football because he believed it was the better path to being a professional.
“I’m a little old. I’m not saying that I couldn’t do it, but your chances are a lot slimmer when you’re 23 years old and just starting to get into an organization,” Plumlee said of baseball. “Where with football, if you make it, you’re in the show right now, so age played a factor.
“It was tough having to say goodbye to baseball. It’s one of my first loves and something I’ve done for so long. While saying goodbye was tough, it just makes me more excited for the future.”
Hearing his name called during the April 25-27 draft would make it all worth it.
“I’ve been very fortunate to live out little John Rhys’ dream for a long time, playing football and baseball at the highest level. Many people know my name and it’s been unbelievable,” Plumlee said. “To be drafted or have an opportunity to play in the NFL would be a dream come true for me.”
Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X at @osmattmurschel.
