Dec. 30, 2010
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By Marc Daniels
UCFAthletics.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UCFAthletics.com) - Their work is far from done, long after the players leave the practice field. They spend hours and hours breaking down film and developing a game plan. They spend days and nights on the road at times finding the next Bruce Miller, Josh Robinson and Jeff Godfrey. And once in a while they will even find a diamond in the rough like a Ronnie Weaver.
They are the assistant coaches. As UCF plays in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl tomorrow, nine men deserve a moment of praise for their efforts in what has been a memorable season. Their boss, George O'Leary, recently won his third Conference USA Coach of the Year Award. But the head man is never without praise for his assistants.
"The staff did a tremendous job this year in preparing the players each week," said O'Leary. "I can't say enough about the job they did with some of our younger players as well."
So while many Knights players and their head coach received honors for their efforts this season, let's take a moment and recognize the UCF staff:
Brent Key- Offensive Line: Key's line saw a first year starter at center, Jordan Rae, step up and play like a veteran. When UCF shifted Nick Pieschel to right guard alongside tackle Jah Reid, the Knights created a huge blocking wall to open up holes for running backs and protect Jeff Godfrey. Key also has two C-USA All Freshmen Team lineman in Jordan and Justin McCray who are key parts to the 2011 offensive line.
George Godsey- Running backs: Godsey lost all-conference back Brynn Harvey in the spring to a knee injury. But UCF didn't skip a beat despite the loss. Ronnie Weaver was rock solid once he took over the starting job and the emergence of Latavious Murray gave UCF a tough 1-2 punch. Counting all positions, the top eight rushing leaders from 2010 come back next year and UCF gets Harvey back as well as Jeff Brinson.
David Kelly- Wide Receivers: UCF's deepest position going into the season, and a mix of veterans and underclassmen shined. Jamar Newsome blossomed into a go-to guy by the end of the season and fellow seniors Brian Watters and Kamar Aiken made big plays. Next season A.J. Guyton, Quincy McDuffie, Khymest Williams, Marquee Williams will be joined by redshirts Joshua Reese and J.J. Worton. And you can't mention Kelly without noting his recruiting magic. He has opened the south Florida pipeline to Godfrey and others after years of not getting much from the talent rich area.
Tim Salem- Tight Ends/Special Teams: Salem's special teams unit led the nation in combined field position for returns and coverage. He motivated players to accept their roles on the kick coverage unit and it paid off with many thriving in the role. In regards to tight ends, Adam Nissley is one of the best blocking tight ends in the country and has the ability to be a solid pass catcher as well.
Charlie Taffe- Offensive Coordinator: UCF's offense is a little bit different from Charlie's first game in 2009 to where it stands today. The scary thing is, he still hasn't used all the playbook. Taffe deserves huge credit for working with Jeff Godfrey and bringing him along slowly. Yet any fan UCF could see week after week the wrinkles put in to utilize the quarterback's special set of skills. Taffe's move from the booth to the sideline during games was also a key this season.
Jim Panagos- Defensive Line: He's had the luxury of having Bruce Miller on his line for his four seasons at UCF. But Panagos helped in the development of Darius Nall and Troy Davis at end. At times, UCF utilized a speed line featuring four pass rushers. He has a pair of talented young tackles in Victor Gray and EJ Dunston. Defensive end help is on the way with a pair of JUCO stars to ease the loss of Miller and David Williams.
John Skladany- Linebackers: His return to UCF after a year away saw him get a veteran unit to work with. Derrick Hallman and Lawrence Young played as true freshmen and leave as seniors who played great football all four years. This year's unit saw the emergence of Josh Linam, who has a bright future.
Sean Beckton- Defensive Backs: The unit was tested during the stretch of no-huddle offenses they faces but Beckton's group was solid all season. Josh Robinson has become one of the top cover corners in the country. Safety Kemal Ishmael led UCF in tackles and has become a defensive leader. There's plenty of young talent waiting in the wings, including Jordan Ozerites, who shined in special teams all season.
Dave Huxtable- Defensive Coordinator: The twin of "The Most Interesting Man Alive," Huxtable's defense was a top-20 unit all season long. UCF didn't blitz much because the line was good at getting pressure. Huxtable's athletes on defense allowed him to face the many four and five wide offenses who don't use huddles. They limited Russell Wilson of NC State to his worst passing game of the year and shut down Kansas State for all but one drive. Year in and year out, Huxtable's defenses are among the best in Conference USA.
Knights notes and more: If you are going to Memphis, or already there, try both Rendezvous and Corky's for BBQ. Yes, go the Liberty Bowl Parade. It's a blast and UCF was well represented in 2007, show your colors again later today...The O'Jays perform at the half tomorrow. American Idol's Taylor Hicks performed last Liberty Bowl we played in. I think we upgraded...Final thought: Why is the McDonald's value meal $1.50 more because I am at the airport? What am I getting at the airport that I'm not getting at other locations? Now, if Ronald or the Hamburgler are making my meal, I'm OK with the additional charge.
Marc Daniels' From the Press Box runs several times per month on UCFAthletics.com. Listen to Marc during UCF football, men's basketball and baseball radio broadcasts on the UCF Sports Network. Each weekday, Marc hosts "The Beat of Sports" on ESPN 1080 in Orlando from 9-11 a.m.