Aug. 7, 2006
ORLANDO - The UCF football team practiced in the morning for the first time this preseason, spending two hours on the field on Monday. The squad focused on special teams for much of the practice.
During the season, the Golden Knights typically practice in the morning. The squad's previous two preseason practices were both in the afternoon.
UCF returns 16 letterwinners on offense and is most experienced on the offensive line. Last year's starting unit of left tackle Patrick Brown, left guard Kyle Smith, center Cedric Gagne-Marcoux, right guard L.J. Anderson and right tackle Josh Sitton return with 93 combined career starts, the most of any offensive line in the nation. The unit's experience has been apparent during the practice sessions.
"Last year, we (the offensive line) felt good together. Coming through spring, I think we all improved together," said Sitton. "Now it seems like things have come together even more. The first day of practice, we were out there communicating well. We know how one another are going to play and that makes it easier out there."
The Golden Knights return to the practice fields on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday's session will serve as UCF's final practice before moving to full pads.