Aug. 29, 2008
Knights Football Central
UCF Game Notes
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Gameday Information
South Carolina State at UCF - sponsored by MetroPCS
Saturday, Aug. 30 ? Bright House Networks Stadium ? 6 p.m.
Television: None
Radio: UCF ISP Sports Radio Network (WQTM 740AM - Orlando, WMMV 1350AM Cocoa, WDCF 1350AM - Dade City, WROD 1340AM - Daytona Beach, WMMB 1240AM - Melbourne, WLVJ 1040AM/WKAT 1360 AM - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South Palm Beach), WPSL 1590AM - Treasure Coast/North Palm Beach, WZHR 1400AM - Zephyrhills)
Internet: Live audio, statistics and video at UCFathletics.com
When UCF has the ball
The Knights will be led by junior quarterback Michael Greco. Last season, Greco served as Kyle Israel's backup and completed 24-of-45 pass attempts for 303 yards. He also rushed for 128 yards with two scores. With 2007 consensus All-America selection Kevin Smith now in the National Football League, redshirt freshman Ronnie Weaver will get the start at tailback. Three true freshmen - Brynn Harvery, Latavius Murray and Brandon Davis - will also see time at the position. Senior Rocky Ross is UCF's top wideout after tallying 50 receptions a year ago. The offensive line is anchored by senior left tackle Patrick Brown, who has made 38-consecutive starts for the Knights.
The Bulldogs return nine of 11 starters from 2007. Senior defensive end Cedric Lloyd was an All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Second Team pick last year and is back to guide the South Carolina State defensive line. In the defensive backfield, junior safety Markee Hamlin is the leader. He totaled five interceptions a year ago.
When South Carolina State has the ball
The Bulldogs will also have a new signal caller this season. Sophomore Malcolm Long will lead the passing attack for the team after backing up Cleveland McCoy in 2007. UCF will have to contain junior tailback William Ford, who paced the team with 1,389 yards and four touchdowns last season. Anthony Campbell should also see time in the backfield for the Bulldogs. The senior transferred from Auburn prior to last season.
The UCF defense also returns nine starters. The returnees include the nation's most experienced secondary - senior cornerbacks Joe Burnett and Johnell Neal and senior safeties Sha'reff Rashad and Jason Venson. The Knights ranked third nationally in interceptions last year with 24. The squad paced Conference USA in sacks with 39, with sophomore defensive end Bruce Miller recording seven.
Game changers
The Knights will be looking for Burnett to make some big plays in the season opener. A candidate for several national honors, including the Walter Camp Award, he enters the year with 12 career interceptions and three career punt return touchdowns. Hamlin has the ability to make big plays for the Bulldogs on defense. In two seasons at South Carolina State, he has recorded seven interceptions.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to 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 UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.