Aug. 8, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - On Friday morning, the UCF football team worked out in full pads for the first time this preseason as the Knights practiced for just over two hours. The session was held inside Nicholson Fieldhouse.
Moving to full contact means an added emphasis on blocking for the offensive line. Senior tackle Patrick Brown is the team's most experienced player on the line and O'Leary has been using various lineups for the unit during the preseason.
"We are moving guys around a little bit there," said O'Leary. "We will solidify that group. There are about eight or nine guys that have experience to help us."
UCF's lone double-session day of the preseason is set for Saturday. The Knights will practice in the morning, starting around 9:10 a.m., and then return to the practice fields around 7:10 p.m.
? Today's session marked the first time that the squad practiced inside since opening camp Monday.
? The Knights practiced in the morning for the second time this preseason. The majority of the team's preseason practices are slated for the afternoon. Friday's session was originally scheduled for 3:20 p.m.
? Following the graduation of Mike Buscemi, the Knights will have a new long snapper this year. Redshirt freshman tight end Adam Nissley and freshman defensive lineman Charles Hughlett are handling the snapper duties during camp. "They are getting better every day; that is all I worry about," said O'Leary.
UCF's season opener is slated 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.