March 21, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - UCF spring football practice looked a little bit more like football practice on Saturday morning as the team donned full pads for the first time and had a contact practice.
The Knights worked out for about two hours but in a much more spirited fashion than over the first two days as they got down to fundamental tackling drills and full-team periods with the added benefit of full contact. The NCAA mandates that three of a team's 15 spring practices must be non-contact days where helmets are the sole protective gear permitted and each of UCF's first two practices were of this kind. There also was a much larger crowd of spectators on hand for the Saturday session, including Johnell Neal, Sha'reff Rashad, Kyle Israel and several other former Knights.
One position group that of course enjoys having pads on the most is offensive line as practices are night and day in the trenches without them. Today, UCFAthletics.com spoke with Haines City native Jah Reid after practice.
On moving from offensive guard to right tackle:
"I love going back out to tackle. It's where I first started playing. I feel more comfortable there and I hope to keep playing my best so that I can stay there for the rest of the season. It was coach's idea to move me there and I was pleased with that."
On new offensive line coach Brent Key:
"He's been great. I love working with coach Key. He's one of the greatest coaches I have worked with. He's positive but he's tough at the same time. He gets the best out of you."
On practicing in full pads today:
"It does make a big difference and it's a lot more comfortable. We're football players. We're used to getting in pads and hitting each other. We like it."
On what he likes best about playing offensive line:
"You hit somebody on every play. You are working with the same people all of the time so you really form a bond with them. You communicate with them. They're like your brothers.
On if the young line from last year is coming together this year:
"We've been working together for a year. We've got some chemistry together now. Last year we did a lot of shifting around, but now we've been sticking to our positions and you get to know the people around you. It's much more comfortable."