March 25, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF football team hit the practice field once again Wednesday morning donning full pads for the third consecutive practice. The team practiced for over two hours at the practice fields just south of Bright House Networks Stadium.
The offense and defense continued with a variety of instillation. In between instillation drills, the offense and defense clashed for some fiery scrimmage sessions.
Rising senior Travis Timmons (Gainesville, Fla.) spent much of Wednesday's session in the offensive backfield and exchanged in some competitive banter with many of the offensive lineman letting them know who was winning the battle up front for the day as the defense mixed in new blitzes on Wednesday.
The Knights will return to the field Friday sporting just shoulder pads. Practice begins at 9 a.m. and is open to the public.
UCF will hold its conclusion to spring practice with its annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 11 at Bright House Networks Stadium. The scrimmage begins at 2 p.m. and general admission tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000, online at UCFAthletics.com, or in-person at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Sophomore receiver A.J. Guyton talked with UCFAthletics.com after practice Wednesday. Guyton is seeing his first action since suffering a knee injury at the beginning of spring practices last year. The Homestead native is very excited to be back in action for the Knights.
What does it feel like to finally go full contact this spring?
"It feels great. Being out the whole year, missing the season, fall camp and last spring, it just feels good to be back out here."
How does your knee feel when practicing?
"The knee is great. I don't even think about it when I am out there on the field. I just go out there and play. I take it one day at a time, and just learn while I am out there."
What did you learn last year while you weren't able to play?
"I learned a lot from being able to run routes properly, learning different defensive coverages, looking at the quarterback and being able to see what he is reading and just trying to get on the same page as them."
How tough was it to be on the sidelines and not be able to contribute to the team?
"It was very tough. My brothers needed me out there and I wasn't able to come through for them. That is why I am working so hard in the offseason so I can be out there this season. We go down together, and we rise together."
How is the offense adjusting to the new offensive schemes under Coach Taaffe?
"I love the offensive schemes. Coach Taaffe is a great man. He is taking it slow so that we can get the hang of it everyday, but they are working out great for me."
What is it like being able to get Rocky Ross back this season?
"That benefits us in a positive way. He is the only senior receiver that we have, so we look up to him for everything. He teaches us a lot and we can always go to him if we have questions. I really listen to Rocky when he talks."
What are your summer plans after the semester ends?
"I will probably go back to Miami, or I will go to Georgia to my Auntie's house. I will just be working on getting my knee stronger and keeping my leg in shape."
What do you think of the new facebook?
"I do not like the new facebook at all. It is a mess."