Aug. 8, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF football team was back in full pads for a Wednesday afternoon session that for the second time this week ended with a short scrimmage between the offense and defense. The Knights spent a majority of the first hour once again focusing on fundamental aspects, ranging from blocking and tackling to route running and coverage skills.
On top of the individual drills and team work, the Knights have been able to install all four aspects of the special teams through the first week and the coach in charge of those units, Dave Huxtable, is pleased with what he has seen thus far.
"I think we are off to a pretty good start with special teams," Huxtable said. "The kids have been working hard and we have gotten through all four phases. The kids have great attitudes and they understand the importance of their units. So, from a special teams' standpoint we are off to a real good start."
Huxtable, who also coaches the linebackers, says that his position unit is working equally as hard.
"We still have a long way to go, but they are all working real hard," Huxtable commented about his linebackers. "We just have a lot of work to do yet, but we have time to get it done. I am excited about some of the young kids. Lawrence Young as shown some flashes early on and Darius Nall and Jackie Carter are also two young guys that are showing some promise. I am excited about all of them."
The Knights defense was able to close practice with a couple of wins as they held the offense out of the endzone on a pair of plays from the one-yard line. The offense came up with a couple of big plays during the scrimmage as running back Shane Smith broke a couple of tackles to reel off a long run and A.J. Guyton made a nice diving reception for a long gain.
The Knights will take to the practice fields again on Thursday for another afternoon start time set for 3:20 p.m.
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