July 1, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - Sophomore Darius Nall (Douglasville, Ga.) has had a more eventful year than most. After a 2007 campaign which saw him garner Freshman All-Conference USA accolades, he found out last June that he had cancer.
A year ago today he was preparing for an anterior thoracotomy which he had on July 9, 2008 to remove a mediasteinal mass in his chest. Nall redshirted last fall while undergoing radiation treatments and recovering from them. He was officially declared a cancer survivor on Nov. 24 and went right to work in the weight room to regain his strength in time for spring practice. Nall had a good spring and came out of the workouts as a part of UCF's two-deep at defensive end.
Recently, UCFAthletics.com caught up with Nall for a quick Q&A. Fans who would like to catch Nall and all of his Knight teammates in action for seven exciting home games this fall can get their season tickets today either by calling 407-823-1000 or here online at UCFAthletics.com.
It's has to be much different standing here today than it was exactly one year ago today. What's that like?
"It feels great just to be with everybody and to be a part of a team. It feels great. Life is back to normal. It's just good to be here. I'm happy, healthy and ready to go."
Have you had a chance to get home at all this summer?
"I was up there last weekend. It was my brother's birthday so we celebrated together. It was a nice time being together again."
What does your class load look like?
"I just have English this summer. I finally get to take it. After I take this, I'll be all caught up."
What are your goals for 2009?
"I'd like to have a standout year like my freshman year. I'm looking forward to not just playing but doing something more than just playing and really helping this team win."
What does the season opener against Samford mean to you after everything you have been through?
"It's going to be a great day. I can't wait. I can't wait. I can't wait."