UCF's quarterback competition is over.

Pete DiNovo, a redshirt freshman from nearby Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake, was named the Knights' starting quarterback, head coach George O'Leary told reporters following practice Sunday. He'll start for UCF in the Aug. 30 season opener against Penn State in Dublin, Ireland.

"I'm more about managing the game right now," O'Leary told the Orlando Sentinel, "and I thought Pete did the best job when the coaches weren't on the field."

DiNovo, who would become the first UCF freshman to start a season opener since Daunte Culpepper in 1995 if he starts against Penn State, beat out sophomore Justin Holman, Boise State transfer Nick Patti and freshman Tyler Harris for the job.

DiNovo will have the task of replacing Blake Bortles, who was drafted No. 3 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in May's NFL Draft after leading UCF to a 12-1 season and a win over Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl.

His high school head coach, Bob Hudson, was ecstatic when he heard the news.

"I'm very excited for him," Hudson said. "Obviously, I'm very proud. Him and I have had many talks over the last year and a half on if he gets the position or if he doesn't get it. I think he's going to prove everyone well."

DiNovo is Pinellas County's all-time career passing leader at 6,733 yards. In his three years starting at East Lake, DiNovo led his team to the Class 8A regional finals twice. He finished with 59 total touchdowns.

Over the offseason, DiNovo worked tirelessly to perfect his game. He eclipsed Holman, who was listed atop the depth chart after the spring.

"Pete is always working. He would come home from breaks and he would still be working," Hudson said. "He's always around the game of football."

Now he'll have to put that hard work to the test and prove he deserves the No. 1 spot.

"Not that the other kids don't, but I know how hard he (Pete) works and how much detail he puts into what he does and how much pride he has for his team and his program," Hudson said. "The same qualities he had here, especially that leadership, he'll do anything in the world for his teammates."