Aug. 4, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF football team donned shoulder pads for the first time this fall as the Knights worked out in the hot afternoon sun at the practice fields. There were close to 100 fans in attendance as the third session of the fall lasted just over two hours.
"I thought with the first day in pads, we are still looking for some young kids to step up and get some things done," Head Coach George O'Leary said. "I think the continuity is good and contact speed even though we are only in shoulder pads was better. We are making a lot less mistakes than we made at this time last year. I think there is a lot of retention from the kids that did return and the freshman are picking things up pretty well."
The team went through its customary individual drills at the opening of practice and also got some extra work in on kickoff coverage. For the upcoming season, NCAA officials changed the kickoff rules and the ball will be moved back to the 30-yard line.
The quarterbacks and wide receivers worked on the timing of numerous routes before installing some of those items in skelly and team drills towards the end of practice. Junior linebacker Cory Hogue deflected several passes during those drills and was consistently being commended for his work during the practice.
The Knights will get one more session in before moving to full pads for Monday's workout. Sunday's practice is slated for another 3:20 p.m. start time.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.
-UCF-