March 23, 2011
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By Leigh Torbin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF has had more alumni in the NFL than any other Conference USA school for each of the past several years so it should come as no surprise that the Knights' annual Pro Day saw representatives from 24 different NFL franchises head to Orlando on Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to the 24 teams, some of which sent multiple representatives, two CFL franchises (Montreal and Hamilton) sent scouts and several members of the Orlando Predators' coaching staff also came across town to see what UCF had to offer.
Bruce Miller, Jamar Newsome and Jah Reid all represented UCF at the NFL Scouting Combine last month at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis but worked out again today. Amongst the other seniors who showed off for scouts today, Kamar Aiken, Ricky Kay and David Williams seemed to be on the most lips of scouts but plenty of others are sure to get a better look as the late-April draft weekend and undrafted free agent signing period nears.
Despite the smaller stage, being together with teammates was one advantage of today's on-campus workout for the former Knights.
"It was big for me to get a chance to see my guys again," Newsome said. "I hadn't seen a couple of these guys in a couple of months and just seeing them again put a smile on my face. I knew that I was with my team again. When I was in Indy I felt like I was a solo guy. Being back with these guys is a great feeling."
"It was a great day," Miller said. "I had a blast being around all of the UCF guys again and getting to work out. It was fun. I know we had a great time and I think everyone did really well."
Some of the Knights have spent the time since UCF's win over Georgia in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl working out a great distance away. Williams is one who stayed local and has seen great results working alongside teammates Derrick Hallman and Lawrence Young training with UCF strength and conditioning coaches Ed Ellis and Scott Sinclair.
"I think this is the best place to train," Williams said. "I think our weight coaches and staff to as good of a job as anybody and I'm very confident in their abilities."
Three active NFL Knights were in attendance today as Buffalo Bill Torell Troup, Green Bay Packer Michael Greco and Washington Redskin Sha'reff Rashad came by to rekindle some friendships and see possibly some of their future teammates work out.
Not only did the current UCF seniors praise the structure of head coach George O'Leary program with helping prepare them for the rigors and discipline of an NFL franchise but Greco did as well with the perspective of a year's distance and a pair of NFL teams' worth of experience (Greco was originally signed by the New York Giants).
"Coach O'Leary prepared you for the worst," said Greco, one of three Knights on the Super Bowl XLV champion Packers' full roster. "He really prepares his players. I haven't gotten a chance to thank him. I really want to. He teaches you how to work hard, how to be on time for everything and how to be on top of your stuff. I thank him for that."
Count Reid, whose fitness level and blocking ability improved dramatically during his time at UCF, as another who knows that his time as a Knight will benefit him in the future.
"Playing under O'Leary really prepares you for the NFL with the system he runs, what he expects from you and how demanding he is really prepares you for the next level so they know that you're ready coming in," Reid said. He has been projected as a mid-round pick in the 2011 Draft.
Now the Knights will continue to train for the draft. Several will be fortunate enough to have individual workouts with teams across the country but, overall, Aiken may have summed the event and his present status up the most succinctly.
"Overall it was a good day," he said. "I'm pretty satisfied. Now it's just a waiting process."
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2011 UCF Football season ticket packages can be purchased or renewed online at UCFAthletics.com or by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000. Home games include Charleston Southern [Champions UKNIGHT (Sept. 3)], Boston College [Hall of Fame Weekend (Sept. 10)], Marshall (Oct. 8), Memphis [Alumni UKNIGHT - Homecoming 2011 (Oct. 29)], Tulsa (Nov. 5) and UTEP [Senior Day (Nov. 26)]. Should UCF host the C-USA Championship Game for the fourth time in seven years, it would be played on Saturday, Dec. 3 and season ticket holders will receive the first shot at the best seats.
UKNIGHT WITH UCF FOOTBALL IN 2011!
? 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl champions
? Top 20 ranking and a program-best 11 wins in 2010
? Two-time Conference USA champions (2007 & 2010)
? Three-time Conference USA East Division champions (2005, 2007 & 2010)
? Four bowl appearances since 2005
? Led by three-time C-USA Coach of the Year George O'Leary
? Over a dozen UCF Knights appeared on NFL rosters in 2010