Aug. 9, 2005
ORLANDO * The Nicholson Fieldhouse has paid immediate dividends for the UCF football team as the Golden Knights spent 22 of their 24 periods of practice Tuesday inside the fieldhouse. Heavy rain and lightning forced UCF to move indoors after the second period Tuesday.
It marked the third straight practice UCF utilized the new fieldhouse. UCF spent four periods inside Sunday, 14 periods Monday and 22 Tuesday.
"I think we are really starting to play to the speed of the game," commented UCF head coach George O'Leary following Tuesday's practice. "I think the players are doing a great job of working their playbooks * they are making some mistakes, but that is expected. We just have to continue to limit the mistakes and make sure everyone is responsible for what they are doing on the field."
Junior quarterback Steven Moffett has looked sharp early on in camp with the first team offense. Moffett has shown excellent arm strength and timing as the leader of the offense.
"We have a pretty good tempo and coach has liked what he has seen," stated Moffett. "If coach likes what he sees, then everything is good."
Junior quarterback Ed Marynowitz earned time with the second team offense Tuesday and had a good day in the pass skeleton periods. Marynowitz found speedy redshirt freshman wide out Willie Thornton on several completions and hit junior college transfer tight end Sinclair Brown for a long touchdown pass.
Other practice highlights included the strong play by freshman wide receiver Rocky Ross. The Jacksonville product made a terrific diving grab and continued to impress early on in preseason camp. Sophomore cornerback Travis Holmes * another Jacksonville native * had an interception during the pass skeleton period as well.
The Golden Knights hit the field in full pads for the first time Wednesday. Practice is scheduled from 3:30-5:40 p.m.