The season hasn't even started yet, but already the 1990-91 football season will undoubtedly go down in history for the Central Florida Knights. That's because after eight years of proving themselves against Division II competition, the Knights enter this season as the newest members of Division I-AA. "The only thing that will change is prestige," said Knights coach Gene McDowell. "Plus, we're going from being authorized to have as many as 40 (full) scholarship athletes to 70. I think that will give us a better chance to have great teams." The Knights need only point to their 7-3 record from a year ago and their four wins against Division 1-AA schools to reaffirm their readiness for the move up. The Knights have even scheduled a Division I opponent, Memphis State, this year. Eight of the Knights games this year will be against Division I-AA opponents, including a clash with defending Div. 1-AA champion Georgia Southern. The only Division II reminder will be a date with Div. II Slippery Rock. Once again, UCF will be carried by its offense and the junior quarterback tag-team of Rudy Jones and Ron Johnson (a former Northside Christian Mustang) who will likely end up sharing the duties as they did last year. With a host of returnees, the UCF tradition of high-scoring offense should remain intact. Veterans include receiver Sean Beckton, offensive lineman Craig Marsden and tailback Mark Giacone. Defensively, the Knights are in transition as new defensive coordinator Don "Deek" Pollard, a former NFL assistant, brings a more professional scheme to UCF. The Knights' first three games are against teams they played last year. However, UCF's prowess on the road will be tested quickly as four of its first six games are away from the Orlando Citrus Bowl. UCF SCOUTING REPORT Quarterback Likely to be another two-man job for the Knights, which may not be so bad. The team seems to respond equally well to Ron Johnson and Rudy Jones. Both juniors, Jones and Johnson regularly complete 50 percent of their passes. Running backs Senior Mark Giacone leads a pool of rugged backs. The Knights could use some breakaway speed. Coaches are high on sophomore Willie English (five TDs in '89). Receivers No problem finding capable hands to throw to. Sean Beckton, Mark Dickinson and Shawn Jefferson each caught more than 30 balls a year ago. Also, freshman David Rhodes of Mulberry shows promise. Offensive line Craig Marsden headlines this smallish bunch. Alex Goforth, Tom Laipply and Andrew Bishop are the likely starters, but only Goforth (6-3, 280) is more than 260 pounds. Derrick Connor (6-2, 255 pounds) is a likely starter at tackle. Defensive line New faces throughout. Senior Robert Lindsey, whose 45 total tackles lead all returning linemen, must keep this young group together. Linebackers Experienced talent overflows at this position. The leading tacklers from last year, Larry Salazar (91 tackles) and Bill Stewart (63 tackles), are back. So is Bobby Spitulski, who had 44 tackles, plus a team-leading three fumble recoveries. Secondary A solid, but not outstanding group, it will need to stop the big plays. Three of the four starters from a year ago return _ Eric Buckley (team-high three interceptions), Ray Irvin and Jimmy Roberts. Special teams Sophomore Franco Grilla (10-of-16 on field goals in '89) is back to handle the kicking. The punting job is up for grabs between junior Russ Salerno and sophomore Dave Nelson, who holds a slight edge. Coaching Gene McDowell enters his sixth year as head coach and hasn't had a losing season since his first year (4-7) in 1985. McDowell is credited for much of the Knights' development from Division II to 1-AA. _ DARRELL FRY