Aug. 8, 2005
ORLANDO - For the second consecutive day, inclement weather forced the UCF football team to move its practice indoors to the Nicholson Fieldhouse. After spending the first 10 periods of practice under the hot sun, the Golden Knights moved inside to finish the day's workout.
"It was a good workout today," stated UCF head coach George O'Leary. "There was great enthusiasm ... I hope we continue to get better each day."
As play moved indoors to the Nicholson Fieldhouse, the quarterbacks worked on passing routes with the wide outs vs. the defensive backs while the offensive line battled the defensive line in one-on-one blocking drills.
In the pass skeleton periods, junior quarterback Steven Moffett worked with the first team offense while sophomore quarterback Kyle Israel manned the second team and freshmen quarterbacks Alex Thompson and Marquel Neaseman split time with the third team.
The defensive backs made several nice plays during the pass skeleton periods as cornerbacks Curtis Francis, Ron Ellis and Johnell Neal all contributed one pass breakup each during the period.
The play of the day and the entire preseason camp was made by true freshman cornerback Joe Burnett. While taking some snaps with the second team defense, Burnett made a spectacular one-handed interception on a slant route and returned the Israel pass to the end zone. "Joe certainly has a lot of ability," noted O'Leary.
The tailbacks continued to impress during the run periods of practice, including junior college transfer Jason Peters and true freshman Kevin Smith. "I am 100 percent," Peters said after practice. He missed most of spring practice with a broken foot, but has looked good early in preseason camp. Smith has displayed power and athleticism on several of his runs during camp.
"Jason looks good," added O'Leary. "He is making cuts like he should make so I am very pleased with that."
Practice continues Tuesday for the final time in helmets and shoulder pads. The Golden Knights hit the field from 3:30-5:40 p.m.