March 27, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - On Friday morning, the UCF football team headed inside Nicholson Fieldhouse for a spirited practice session. The Knights spent over two hours working out in shoulder pads.
The session featured plenty of contact. The hard hitting should continue Saturday as a scrimmage is planned. Practice is slated to begin at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.
The Knights will conclude spring practice on Saturday, April 11 with the second-annual Spring Game at Bright House Networks Stadium. The game begins at 2 p.m. and general admission tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the UCF Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000, online at UCFAthletics.com, or in-person at Bright House Networks Stadium.
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.
Following Friday's session, junior linebacker Lawrence Young (Pensacola, Fla.) talked with the UCFAthletics.com staff about his spring. In 2008, Young appeared in 12 games, recording 72 total tackles.
On what he is working to improve on this spring:
"Individually, I am making sure that I am reading my keys right. Also my footwork and speed."
On having a better grasp on the defensive system now that he is a veteran:
"I feel like I have more of a grasp. I can teach the younger people and make sure they have their (responsibilities) right. If not, I can help them out as much as I can."
On the return of Cory Hogue and Jordan Richards from injuries:
I am glad. It gives us better. There are more veterans to help out the young guys behind them. I feel like it is the best (depth) since I have been here. Last year, we had a lot of injuries that occurred. We were rotating like three or four linebackers at a time. The depth is really helping us out now."
On a who he looks up to on the defensive side of the ball:
"I look up to Cory Hogue and Torrell Troup. They show me a lot of intensity. They encourage me to play better. That is who I look up to."
On a player who will surprise fans this upcoming season:
"I feel that since Derrick Hallman moved back to safety, people are going to overlook him. They are going to have another thing coming. I think that he is going to be a big surprise."