Aug. 16, 2005
ORLANDO - The UCF football team hit the field for 18 periods under hot and sultry conditions Tuesday afternoon on the outdoor practice fields. The Golden Knights worked out in full pads as the temperature reached near the century mark.
"We got a lot of third down work done today, which I was happy to see," stated UCF head coach George O'Leary.
Heading into the first scrimmage of preseason camp Wednesday evening, one position group that will be tested are the linebackers. The Golden Knights signed eight linebackers in last spring's recruiting class and several of the newcomers will have an opportunity for extended playing time in 2005.
"The newcomers have been getting a lot of reps and working hard," stated linebackers coach Dave Huxtable. "I am pleased with all of them and I am looking forward to tomorrow night's scrimmage to see how they do."
One player who has been in the UCF program for four seasons, but is making the move to linebacker from defensive end is redshirt junior Chris Welsh. The Cocoa product broke his hand during the first day of practice in the spring, but is back at full speed in preseason camp. "He has really picked things up well," stated Huxtable. "He got involved in the summer workouts and picked some things up there and he has really worked hard this fall and has been a pleasant surprise."
Huxtable is anxious to see how his players perform tomorrow night. "I want to see the linebackers play good assignment football, take charge of the defense and I want to see some good contact," added Huxtable.
Wednesday's practice is scheduled from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fans wishing to attend are reminded that cameras (digital, video, cell phone, etc.) are prohibited from the practice field.
Practice Notes: The first team offense looked sharp during the half-line passing skeleton period. Junior quarterback Steven Moffett completed passes to six different receivers, including a long pass over the middle to senior tight end Darcy Johnson. Freshman cornerback Joe Burnett, who has had a stellar preseason camp, picked off a pass vs. the second team offense in the period. During the team period, Moffett hit freshman tailback Kevin Smith on a big gainer.