Aug. 6, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Members of the UCF football team wore shoulder pads for the first time this preseason as the Knights practiced for two hours Wednesday afternoon next to Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights, who opened preseason camp on Monday, worked out in jerseys, shorts and helmets for the third-straight day.
During the team's media day on Tuesday afternoon, head coach George O'Leary signaled out the offensive line as being one of the squad's top units. Following today's practice, O'Leary was asked about how the line has looked so far in camp.
"I thought they put hats on people, which is what you are looking for. We are rolling in a lot of people at this time," he said. "I think it will be a solid group. They are going up against pretty decent people up front [in practice]. I've been pleased with that."
UCF's defense returns 20 letterwinners from last season's squad. One of those players - senior safety Breon Rogers - delivered the biggest hit of the camp so far when he leveled a tight end during a drill Wednesday.
? Former UCF wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel attended Wednesday's practice. Fryzel was an All-Mid-American Conference Second Team selection as a senior in 2002.
? During the media day Tuesday, players and coaches posed for video head shots which will be used on the Bright House Networks Stadium scoreboard during games. UCF's sports video staff coordinated the shoot.
? Junior quarterback Michael Greco and redshirt freshman signal caller Joe Weatherford were two of the most popular players during the media session. Several papers around the state, including the Lakeland Ledger, Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel, had stories on the quarterbacks in their Wednesday editions.
? Jon Hirozawa of Central Florida News 13 spoke to seniors Patrick Brown and Mike Lavoie and sophomore Jah Reid about the offensive line following practice. The report should air tonight during the Central Florida Sports Report, which begins at 11:13 p.m.
? On Thursday, the Knights are again scheduled to practice at 3:20 p.m.
UCF will open the 2008 campaign on Aug. 30 at Bright House Networks Stadium against South Carolina State. The Knights will play six contests at the on-campus stadium.
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.