April 9, 2008
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF football team practiced for the 10th time this spring on Wednesday morning as the Knights had an abbreviated session that ended with a 50-play scrimmage.
Before the offensive and defensive units squared off in full-contact team work, the individual units were able to get some work in on one-on-one tackling drills.
"We were able to get some scrimmaging in," O'Leary said. "We still need to work on our contact (speed) as far as tackling and blocking, but I thought they did a good job. I wanted to see a lot of the two's and three's during that time, which I did. I thought they were into it."
The play of the offensive guards was a highlight during the scrimmage work as O'Leary said he has been pleased with the progress the position has been making. Senior Cody Minnich has been running with the one's at right guard, while junior Jeramy DeVane continues to work with the one's at left guard.
However, it has been the play of two younger Knights, sophomore Wes Tunuufi Sauvao and redshirt freshman Nick Pieschel, that is catching the eye of the fifth-year head coach.
"They are the two I see really coming on pretty good," O'Leary said. "I am really pleased with that. It gives us a lot more depth there. I like what I have seen from them this past week. It is almost like the light bulb has come on."
The Knights will practice in the early evening on Friday at 5 p.m. to make their final tune-ups prior to Saturday's spring football game. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Fans are being encouraged to arrive early to purchase tickets for the first spring game inside the Knights' new stadium. Following the conclusion of the game, fans will get the chance to meet and get autographs from the Knights and the UCF football coaching staff within the east concourse.