Knights Reward Walk On, for Stand Out Play

“Whatever it takes.” This is the motto of the 5’11’’, 225 pound Billy Giovanetti. No, he is not a Marine, he is a walk-on running back for the University of Central Florida Knights, and he has earned a scholarship for his hard work, positivity, and desire to stand out.

Giovanetti, now on a one-year renewable scholarship, was motivated from the beginning.

“I may not be the biggest or the fastest on the field, but I want to be one of the hardest workers and get noticed,” Giovanetti said, “It feels good that coach noticed.”

Giovanetti is listed as a running back on the roster, but makes his greatest impact on special teams.

“He does a great job on kick-off returns as a blocker,” said head coach George O’Leary. 

At Bishop Moore High School in Winter Park, Florida, Giovanetti played linebacker and fullback. He did not expect many scholarships, however, he did get an offer from a school in Staten Island, New York. But Giovanetti, who grew up watching his father play for the Knights, wanted to go to UCF.

“I always loved UCF. It felt like home, it just felt right,” Giovanetti said.

Giovanetti’s role models include his father and two older brothers. Nick Giovanetti, one of Billy’s older brothers, currently plays defensive back for the Knights as well. Billy is a redshirt freshman, Nick is a redshirt sophomore.

After earning his scholarship, Giovanetti now focuses on his primary goals. “Stay healthy, progressively earn more time on the field, win a C-USA championship, and go to a bowl game.”

Giovanetti’s favorite player is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who, at 5’7’’, 208 pounds, is an undersized running back as well.

“He isn’t the biggest guy but he is not afraid of anyone,” Giovanetti said.

During the week, Giovanetti is focused as he prepares, focused on the opponent as well as his job. “Play my one-eleventh, as coach Taaffe always tells us.”

Before games Giovanetti likes it quiet and does not liked to be talked to, he listens to music such as Slipknot and Marilyn Manson, “It really gets you going.”

Things are a little different once Giovanetti is on the field though, after walking out to the loud, cheering fans at Bright House Networks Stadium.

 “On the field we get amped up, we are ready to hit someone,” Giovanetti said.

Giovanetti may have earned a scholarship for his individual work ethic, but his ultimate goal remains team oriented. He wants to win games, wants to win bowl games, and wants to win championships. He is not putting up record stats or winning the Heisman trophy, but Giovanetti is certainly a great example of a model football player.