Aug. 15, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Friday marked another preseason practice for the UCF football team and head coach George O'Leary was again pleased with the progress his top two quarterbacks are making. O'Leary told reporters following the two-hour session next to Bright House Networks Stadium that junior Michael Greco and redshirt freshman Joe Weatherford have both improved running the Knights' offense.
"I do see the quarterbacks progressing and getting better. The passing game always takes the most time," said O'Leary. "We are working extremely hard on it this preseason. I have been pleased with some of the things we have improved on. It is where it is supposed to be? No. But at this time of the year, I think we are progressing the right way."
In his first campaign with the Knights after transferring from Pearl River Community College, Greco appeared in nine contests in 2007. He completed 24-of-45 passes for 303 yards and also rushed for 128 yards with two scores. Weatherford did not play as a true freshman a year ago.
? The Knights return just one tailback from last season's squad, redshirt freshman Ronnie Weaver. During preseason camp, Weaver has been sharing time in the back field with freshmen Brandon Davis, Brynn Harvey, Brendan Kelly and Latavius Murray. Weaver believes that the group of backs will combine to make a contribution for UCF in 2008. "We do have depth at the running back position... we know that everybody brings something different to the table," said Weaver. "We understand that we have a long way to go [and] a lot to learn. But we understand that we have a great position to uphold and we are going to try hard to do so."
? UCF's football select-a-seat and picture day is set for this Sunday. UCF Athletics representatives will be on hand at Bright House Networks Stadium from 1-6 p.m. to help fans make new season-ticket purchases. An autograph session with the Knights, which is free to the public, will begin at 4:30 p.m. inside the stadium.
? The annual UCF Community Kickoff Luncheon is slated for Aug. 28 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. For more information on the event, visit www.orlando.org.
? UCF will practice again Saturday around 3:20 p.m.
UCF's season opener is set for Aug. 30 against South Carolina State at Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights will play six contests at the on-campus facility in 2008.
Season tickets are currently available. To order season tickets, or to learn more about attending games at Bright House Networks Stadium, call 407-UCF-1000.
The Knights went 10-4 last season, captured the C-USA Championship and participated in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.