April 7, 2008
2008 Spring Football Prospectus
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The Knights will have a new starting quarterback this season. Junior Michael Greco and redshirt freshman Joe Weatherford are sharing the signal-caller duties this spring and UCF quarterbacks coach George Godsey expects one of the players to emerge as the starter for the Knights.
"The goal is to find a quarterback who will go into our season as a starter. Both of them have lot of different things they need to work on - throwing motion, transferring weight and decision making," Godsey said. "They did not get a lot of reps last year with Kyle (Israel) being the starter. Now is the time for them to get out there and execute against some of the different looks the defense is giving us."
Israel started all 14 contests a year ago. In his first year with the Knights, Greco saw time in nine contests in 2007. He threw for 300 yards and added another 128 on the ground. Greco rushed for two scores and completed 11-of-12 pass attempts in UCF's 56-20 win over Memphis at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Weatherford spent the 2007 campaign learning the Knights' system, as did fellow redshirt freshman Nate Tice.
Godsey has been pleased with Weatherford's development since arriving on campus.
"He has gotten into the weight room and added about 15 pounds. Joe understands our offense and just needs more repetition and time to execute the rep. He has shown some improvement knowing our system and in understanding what we are trying to do."
This spring, Godsey is observing more than just the way that Greco and Weatherford are throwing the ball. He wants to make sure that his quarterbacks are guiding their teammates.
"The quarterback should be a natural leader on the field," he said. "Both quarterbacks have to know everybody's assignment. They are both young in our program, so they need to put in the extra time and let those younger guys see them and earn that respect."
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.