March 27, 2008
Orlando, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF football team saw its first live action of the spring on Thursday as the Knights worked out in full pads for approximately two hours on the practice field adjacent to the Wayne Densch Sports Center. The team gradually worked their way into full takedown mode throughout the workout as the offensive and defensive units continued to work on installing the running and passing games.
"For our first day in pads, I thought the defense had more retention than the offense, but that is why you practice," head coach George O'Leary said. "I think the big thing I am looking for is effort and retention from the fall. We have added some new things offensively and that takes time as far as repetitions and getting the proper reactions."
Following its customary individual drills, the team broke into three segments for one-on-one tackling drills. The linebackers squared off with the running backs and tight ends, while the receivers faced off with the defensive backs. The offensive and defensive linemen also went head-to-head during the drill, which was the first live hitting the players had seen this spring.
"I thought it was a good first practice for contact," O'Leary added. "It was more segmented than anything else as far as different types of tag offs and thud drills. I was happy with the effort and I was happy with the movement on the field. We will continue to get better each day and that is what is important in the spring."
The Knights will be back in full pads on Friday morning before returning to the practice fields on Sunday at 2 p.m. for the first scrimmage of the spring.
UCF will hold its annual spring football game on Saturday, April 12 as part of the 2008 UCF Hall of Fame Weekend. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. and the game will be played for the first time in Bright House Networks Stadium.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
-UCFAA-