April 6, 2008
2008 Spring Football Prospectus
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Fans who have attended UCF's practices this spring have probably noticed senior Rocky Ross giving advice and instructions to the Knights' wide receivers. Despite not being a vocal leader, Ross, the only upperclassmen on the depth chart at wideout, is still a mentor to his younger teammates.
"Obviously, with Rocky being a senior, he's the one that everyone looks at with a certain degree of respect because of his experience, his success, but more importantly, the kind of person he is," said wide receivers coach David Kelly. "He's not a vocal guy, where he's going to be a cheerleader. He is a leader by example."
On the field in 2007, Ross led the Knights with 53 catches for 658 yards. In three campaigns with the Knights, the Jacksonville native has recorded 103 receptions.
He is the leader of deep and young unit. Four true and two redshirt freshmen wideouts saw time on the field for the Knights last year.
Now a sophomore, Kamar Aiken started 12 of 14 contests as a true freshman in 2007 and led the team with five touchdown grabs. Fellow sophomore A.J. Guyton was also one of Kyle Israel's top targets a year ago. Classmates Sidney Haynes and Khymest Williams also recorded receptions during the campaign.
Kelly expects the younger wide receivers to be even better after spring camp.
"I'm starting to see bits of improvements here and there," Kelly added. "I want to see plays being made down the field. I'm going to challenge them. I want them to get better. They will be a group that we can depend on by the time that we open up [the season] against South Carolina State."
Sophomore Brian Watters had 14 catches for 161 yards and three scores as a redshirt freshman. Watters' classmates Jamar Newsome and Jevaughn Reams provide more depth for the Knights at the position.
UCF will hold its annual spring football game on Saturday 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.