June 27, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF football team is continuing its off season preparations at the Wayne Densch Sports Center. As the team comes back together during the summer B term, its main focus will be improving their strength and conditioning in preparations for fall practice. Today, the UCF Athletics communications staff focuses on the defensive side of the ball with senior linebacker Cory Hogue. Hogue will be a vocal force for the Knights on and off the field where his leadership skills will encourage younger players to become more disciplined.
What are your thoughts going into your senior season and what about the season are you looking forward to?
"Just knowing that it is my last year, I have to know that it may be the last time that I play football again. You have to be able to crack down and get everyone inspired and motivated to perform during the season."
You are the only senior linebacker. How are you going to help your fellow linebackers going into the season?
"It has been good, coach (Geoff) Collins has been expecting a lot out of me. I am the only senior linebacker and a lot of the guys look up to me. Obviously, young guys like Josh (Linam) really look up to me and ask me questions. I like to help them out because I got help as a freshman from the senior class. I want to continue that trend. James Cook, Chris Welsh and Paul Carrington were all guys that took me under there wings when I was a freshman."
Taking players under your wing is an important aspect to senior leadership. Do you understand the importance of it and why is it so significant?
"The fourth year, you are accustomed to everything. You know the campus and how to get to classes. You have a knowledge on how the program works and knowing the defensive and offensive schemes."
How does your typical day start off and what activities are you interested in?
"[I] Wake up and I have class at 8. Weights are at 3:15. When I have the opportunity, I like to golf during my free time. One of the courses that I enjoy playing is Stony Brook."
Since, you enjoy playing a round of golf, what are the strengths that you possess on the course?
"The drives and hitting the long ball are my major strengths on the golf course."
What is your current major and which career paths are you interested in once your football career ends?
"I am not sure what I want to do as a criminal justice major. I have thought about the ATF and FBI or something like that. I have always been interested in those agencies."
Hogue and the Knights open the 2008 campaign on Aug. 30, hosting South Carolina State at Bright House Networks Stadium. UCF went 10-4 last season, claimed the C-USA Championship and participated in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
The squad is scheduled to play six contests at home this season. Season tickets are currently available by calling 407-UCF-1000.
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 visit www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.