Aug. 10, 2005
ORLANDO - For the first time in preseason camp, UCF hit the field in full pads as the Golden Knights split Wednesday's practice between the outdoor practice fields and the Nicholson Fieldhouse. The Golden Knights spent the first 12 periods outdoors before the threat of lightning in the area moved practice indoors.
Wednesday's practice marked the fourth consecutive day UCF utilized the Nicholson Fieldhouse. Only the first practice in camp Saturday was spent entirely outdoors.
"Defensively we had some bright spots but the offense had the better day today," stated UCF head coach George O'Leary. "The offense had some big plays on some poor tackling," added O'Leary.
"I saw some bright spots," O'Leary continued. "I thought Kevin Smith did some really nice things today and I was very impressed with him."
Smith, a freshman tailback from Miami, showed the combination of strong running between the tackles along with the speed and agility to break the long run. Smith, who earned time running with the first team offense during the team scrimmage period, broke several nice runs, including a 40-yard-plus scamper.
"It was rough today trying to get accustomed to things," commented Smith. "I am used to running with the third team but I found that running with the first team is a whole different pace. I just try to watch and learn from the veterans."
Smith has had a strong preseason camp, adding to a talented group of tailbacks. "I am always excited to play football," said Smith.
The first play of the scrimmage period between the first team offense and defense featured a long pass play between Steven Moffett and Brandon Marshall. Marshall took a 10-yard crossing route and broke several tackles and showed a burst of speed up the left sideline for a huge gain.
Clarence Howard, a second team defensive end, turned in one of the biggest hits of the day with a tackle behind the line of scrimmage on Jason Peters.
Earlier in the day, the defense worked on individual tackling drills vs. the offense. The linebackers went head-to-head with the running backs in an individual drill, and middle linebacker Ronnell Sandy looked impressive for the Golden Knights. The 230-pound Titusville native made several crushing hits during the period.
The Golden Knights hit the field twice Thursday for the first time in camp. Thursday's first practice is from 9-11:10 a.m. and the second session is scheduled from 7:30-9:15 p.m. Thursday's late practice is planned for full pads tomorrow.