Aug. 7, 2005
ORLANDO - UCF completed its second practice of preseason camp and finished Sunday with Media Day in the Nicholson Fieldhouse. The Golden Knights practiced for 20 periods outside before moving indoors with the threat of rain and lightning. UCF finished its practice session with two team periods inside the Nicholson Fieldhouse for the first time in camp.
"We have had two good days of camp," stated UCF head coach George O'Leary. "The big push right now is installation and to see if the young players can keep up with the installation."
Per NCAA rules, the Golden Knights will practice Monday and Tuesday in shoulder pads before the first full contact practice Wednesday, which concludes the five-day acclimatization period. The first day of two-a-days is Thursday, Aug. 11.
One area that UCF looks vastly improved in going into the season is the strength and conditioning of the team. "There is no question we are bigger and stronger at the point of attack," added O'Leary. "The separation of players will begin Wednesday when we are in pads."
O'Leary noted the play of freshman linebacker Cory Hogue during Sunday's press conference. "I watched Cory Hogue and I think he has the opportunity to be a player," stated O'Leary. "Cory has great instincts to the ball," continued O'Leary. Freshman linebacker Travis Barr was another true freshman who O'Leary mentioned could be in the mix in 2005 for the Golden Knights.
UCF returns to the practice field Monday from 3:30-5:40 p.m.