March 31, 2006
ORLANDO - The UCF football team held its sixth practice of the spring in shoulder pads and shorts Friday morning inside the Nicholson Fieldhouse. For the second time this week, the Golden Knights had a special visitor as Warren Sapp of the Oakland Raiders viewed practice. Sapp, an Apopka native, addressed the team and congratulated the Golden Knights on their successful 2005 campaign.
UCF holds its first scrimmage of the spring Saturday. With six of the scheduled 15 spring practices already complete, Saturday will give the coaching staff its first opportunity to see the team scrimmage. Practice begins Saturday at 1 p.m.
"I think the whole key to the first week and half is basically to get a lot of reps and get everybody quality reps," stated UCF head coach George O'Leary. "That's what we've done. We've worked 44 guys, which is a lot. They're making a lot of mistakes, but I think you learn the game by getting out there and playing on grass."
UCF has moved three players this spring to different positions, including redshirt freshman linebacker Alex Thompson. The Gainesville native switched from quarterback to linebacker this spring and has caught the eye of O'Leary and linebackers coach Dave Huxtable.
Redshirt freshman defensive back Jayson Williams has moved from tailback to the secondary and junior Blake Carter has shifted from wide receiver to linebacker this spring.
"The one who has caught my eye is Alex Thompson," stated O'Leary. "I think he has done a really good job making a transition."
Thompson has played at outside linebacker and has earned time with the first-team defense this spring. "Alex has done a really good job," added Huxtable. "He has been there for four days and is a really bright kid. He does need to get in the weight room and get a bit stronger since he is making the move from quarterback to linebacker. I am really encouraged with him and he is going to be a good player."
Practice Notes: Despite limited contact as the players donned just helmets and shoulder pads Friday, sophomore cornerback Johnell Neal continued his physical play when he delivered a big shot to senior tight end Sinclair Brown over the middle ... Senior quarterback Steven Moffett looked comfortable in both the team and passing skeleton periods Friday, including several completions to junior wide out Sergio Joachim ... Sophomore defensive end Antonio Wallace recorded a sack during the team period. With no-contact on the quarterback, Wallace pulled up short on Moffett for the would-be sack.