Aug. 19, 2005
ORLANDO - The UCF football team practiced under hot and sultry conditions Friday afternoon on the UCF campus. The Golden Knights practiced in helmets and shoulder pads for two hours as the temperature reached the upper 90s.
Preseason camp has almost come to an end. With classes starting Monday, the coaching staff has two practices this weekend with the team before the new academic semester begins. One player who has come on strong in camp is redshirt junior linebacker Chris Welsh. The strong side linebacker has fully recovered from a broken hand suffered on the first day of spring practice and looks to be a player who will earn significant playing time in 2005.
"It has been a pretty good camp so far," stated Welsh. "I have learned a lot in just two weeks and Coach Huxtable has really helped me take what I have learned and apply it to the field and the game."
Welsh switched from defensive end to outside linebacker in the spring and is still adjusting to all of the nuances at the linebacker position. "Pass coverage is the tough part," added Welsh. "I always thought I could run with tight ends and running backs - I did that in high school. Now, having to go out and cover a player like Mike Walker or Brandon Marshall - it is just a whole new ballgame."
Sophomore quarterback Kyle Israel continued to earn time with the second team unit as he also works his way back from injury. The Orlando native suffered a stress fracture during the first spring scrimmage and has been working back into the mix at quarterback. "My leg is starting to feel a little better, but it is still a little bit sore," commented Israel. "I think right now I am just trying to get everything down mentally. I am not even worrying about my leg. If I am going to play at all, I have to come in ready and be mentally prepared."
The Golden Knights practice Saturday from 12:50-2:50 p.m. before UCF Fan Photo Day at 4 p.m.