Aug. 17, 2008
Practice and player picture day photo gallery
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - A huge crowd was on hand Sunday to watch the UCF football team practice on the fields next to Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights worked out for just over two hours and then headed into the stadium to participate in UCF's annual player picture day.
Following nearly every practice this preseason, head coach George O'Leary has been asked by reporters who will start at quarterback for the Knights in 2008. On Sunday, O'Leary announced that junior Michael Greco will start and redshirt freshman Joe Weatherford will serve as the backup.
Greco appeared in nine contests last season, which served as his first year in Orlando after transferring from Pearl River Community College. He completed 24-of-45 pass attempts for 303 yards and also rushed for 128 yards with two touchdowns. Weatherford did not play as a rookie in 2007.
"I think he was consistent more often," O'Leary said about Greco. "If you look at my history, both quarterbacks are going to play. I think he was just more consistent with what he did with the football. He made better decisions."
O'Leary also had praise for the fans who stopped by the practice fields to watch the team workout Sunday.
"We have great fans. They were great last year. They really made the stadium a great place to play in."
? O'Leary said that freshman Rob Calabrese will serve as the third-string quarterback. "For a freshman, I think he is really doing a good job," he said. "He has all the installation."
? Several former Knights were on hand for practice and the fan event, including recent letterwinners Neil Bittong, Kyle Israel and Dan Veenstra.
? The annual UCF Community Kickoff Luncheon is slated for Aug. 28 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. For more information on the event, visit www.orlando.org.
? UCF will return to the practice fields Monday afternoon around 3:20 p.m.
UCF's season opener is set for Aug. 30 against South Carolina State at Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights will play six contests at the on-campus facility in 2008.
Season tickets are currently available. To order season tickets, or to learn more about attending games at Bright House Networks Stadium, call 407-UCF-1000.
The Knights went 10-4 last season, captured the Conference USA Championship and participated in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.