July 15, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - There is no question that the often-unsung offensive line is the true secret to the success of almost any football team. The Knights had an exceptionally young group last fall but most of the two deep returns for 2009 more experienced and hungrier.
The unit did lose four-year starting left tackle Patrick Brown who is now in the Carolina Panthers' training camp. His most likely replacement is redshirt sophomore Nick Pieschel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) who played in all 12 games last fall, starting each of the final seven at left guard. UCFAthletics.com caught up with Pieschel recently for a Q&A.
Fans who would like to catch Pieschel 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.
How important is it for the offensive line to come together over the summer?
"It's very important. I'd say we are probably the number one group that needs to improve from last year, and as long as we come together and play as a team, I think that no one can stop us."
Is your mentality any different this year going in as a starter as opposed to previous years as a backup?
"Not at all, I just want to do the best I can and help out the team as much as I can."
Have you talked much to Pat Brown about playing the position?
"I haven't really talked to him much recently, I know he's in Carolina and apparently second string but I haven't talked to him. I just try to talk to coach and all the guys who have been working hard just trying to get back into it right now."
What do you have for classes this summer?
"This summer I had a hospitality class and now I have a health care class. It's not easy but it's definitely interesting."
What else are you doing over the summer in your down time as opposed to playing football?
"When we do have down time normally the O-line we go out to eat like we do during the season and the spring. We still do that all the time. And we've been watching TV together and stuff like that."
Did you do anything exciting over the Fourth of July weekend?
"Actually a whole bunch of us got together and we went to Jordan Becker's beach house in Tampa. It was a lot of fun!"
How's the new offensive system?
"It's good. I like it a lot. I think that we are more coherent with each other and the coaches."
Are you doing anything different with new offensive line coach Brent Key this year as opposed to previous years?
"I think Coach Key a different type of coach from what we've had in the past. I think that he just responds differently to situations, and more positively to everybody. I think that just makes everybody work harder."