April 4, 2006
ORLANDO - The UCF football team held its eighth practice of the spring Tuesday morning in full pads inside the Nicholson Fieldhouse. The Golden Knights practiced for the first time since Saturday's scrimmage on Tuesday.
Saturday's scrimmage featured outstanding production from the offense. Another bright note was the fact there were no significant injuries from the 108-play scrimmage.
With eight practices already finished, UCF has just seven workouts remaining in spring drills. Several former players were on hand Tuesday to watch the team, including wide receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive end Paul Carrington.
Both players are strong candidates to be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 29-30. Marshall had a breakout 2005 campaign for the Golden Knights as he led the team with 74 receptions for 1,195 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Marshall caught 11 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
Marshall's draft stock has been on the rise this spring after a terrific performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "If I am successful at the next level, then the program is successful since I am a product of UCF," commented Marshall. "Everything has been falling into place the last few months and things are rolling."
Marshall ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range at the combine.
Carrington turned in two strong performances at UCF's pro days on March 1 and March 29. The 6-foot-7, 268-pound defensive end tied for the C-USA lead in 2005 with nine sacks en route to all-league first team honors.
Carrington ran a timed 4.53 40-yard dash at UCF's second pro day in front of the NFL scouts. The time has vaulted Carrington's stock for the upcoming draft.
"I have heard so many different opinions from teams and my agent," stated Carrington. "I am confident and excited to see what happens on draft day. I have concentrated on improving my speed in the last three months and it has paid off."
UCF returns to the practice field Wednesday morning from 9:20-11:20 a.m.