UCF tackle Paul Rubelt a perfect ‘ambassador' for the Knights

Yahoo

a day ago

For a brief moment, it felt as though time had come to a standstill.
Three oranges hovered in the air, nearly in sync, thanks to the efforts of UCF's Paul Rubelt, who was attempting to juggle the fruit. But just as quickly as they danced along their intended arcs, the oranges slipped from the grasp of the 6-foot-11, 330-pound offensive lineman, bouncing to the floor below.
The laughter that erupted was unmistakably Rubelt's, accompanied by a wide, beaming smile stretching across his face.
This juggling act took place on the field at The Star during Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, on July 8. In many respects, it marked a significant milestone for the fifth-year senior, who was making his debut at the media event.
'I get to represent UCF, and I value that and it's awesome. It's a positive experience,' Rubelt told the Orlando Sentinel.
His trademark positivity is always on display, whether it's juggling fruit or talking about football.
'I like being a kind person. People are too serious sometimes. There's a time and place and I can be serious, but why not laugh? Life's too short to have a frown on your face,' Rubelt said.
Rubelt was one of four seniors in attendance for media days, along with running back Myles Montgomery, linebacker Keli Lawson and defensive end Nyjalik Kelly. The group of Knights spent much of their time speaking to the media about the expectations facing a team that features more than 70 new faces to start the season.
While Montgomery, Lawson and Kelly are relative newcomers to the program, Rubelt has been the one constant, having played for three different coaches: Josh Heupel, Gus Malzahn and now Scott Frost.
'I liked Coach Malzahn and I love Coach Frost,' Rubelt explains. 'He's an awesome guy who is very personable.'
Despite having only known Rubelt for a short seven months, Frost has nothing but kind words for his starting tackle.
'He's almost like an ambassador for UCF,' Frost said during media days. 'He has been here six years. He's a great human being. He's fun to be around every day. I love everything he stands for, and I've seen him improve even more than he was last year during my short time at UCF.'
Rubelt's time at UCF has been one filled with patience.
Born in Frankfurt-Oder, Germany, Rubelt wasn't naturally drawn to American football.
After 11 years of competitive swimming, he lost his passion for the sport but soon discovered a new interest: football.
'Football is where I really flourish,' Rubelt said. 'It doesn't matter your body size or appearance; everyone has a role, and I fit in really well.'
After attending several football camps in the U.S., Rubelt was encouraged to pursue the sport.
'People suggested I email coaches, but I didn't consider it. I'm from Germany and not a lifelong competitor like American kids. However, after trying it at a camp, a coach encouraged me to give it a try. I gave it a shot, and eventually, I got picked up by UCF.'
After arriving in Orlando in 2020, Rubelt quickly found himself balancing multiple roles on the offensive line and special teams. During this time, he worked hard to deepen his understanding of the game.
'I struggled a lot with football, learning the schematics. I had a very small football IQ, I would say, and that has drastically increased and improved,' he said.
During his inaugural season, he formed a close friendship with teammate McKenzie Milton, who was recovering from a severe knee injury that nearly cost him his leg. After multiple surgeries and extensive rehab, Milton returned to lead the scout team as quarterback.
It was in this setting that Rubelt and Milton's friendship took root.
'I remember his last day before he transferred [to Florida State], I walked up to him and asked, 'Hey, dude, can I get an autograph on my helmet?'' Rubelt recalled. 'I knew McKenzie was the guy at UCF from when Frost was here. He was always kind to me.'
Five years later, the two would once again reunite with Milton returning to take over as quarterbacks coach under Frost.
'I always have to remind myself, he's my coach,' Rubelt said with a smile. 'But he's always KZ to me.'
'Paul is like a 10th-year senior, isn't he?' Milton joked earlier this year.
Rubelt's career continued to flourish, stepping into the starting right tackle role last season. He took part in 815 snaps, tied for the most on the team with Adrian Medley and Amari Kight. As the only returning starter this season, Rubelt figures to play a prominent role in the offense.
When not on the football field or in the classroom, where he is working towards his second degree in kinesiology, Rubelt can be found working on his car, a white 2010 Crown Victoria that he purchased from a police auction in Hillsborough County.
He takes regular trips to junkyards across Central Florida, searching for parts to help maintain the sedan. While he enjoys his time with his teammates and friends, Rubelt especially enjoys the solitude that he can find under the hood of his car.
The start of fall camp next week is another reminder that Rubelt's time at UCF is slowly winding down.
'Every time, I've been thinking that this is my last winter conditioning. This is my last spring ball. It's a little bit emotional, especially when you have great teammates and you're not going to be able to play with them next year. That's unfortunate, but I'm taking as much in as possible,' he said.
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