Aug. 12, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Tight end Corey Rabazinski is one of the numerous UCF players not only learning plays from new offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe this preseason, but also trying to get back into the flow after recovering from an injury in 2008. Like senior Rocky Ross and sophomore A.J. Guyton, Rabazinski will give the UCF quarterbacks added pass-catching weapons that missed all or portions of last season.
In the six games that Rabazinski did see the field last season, the tight end was productive, catching nine passes, including a 13-yard touchdown reception that helped UCF force overtime against in-state rival USF. Through three seasons as a Knight, the senior and Winter Park High School product has 31 receptions.
With the Knights early in preseason practice and gearing up for the season opener on Sept. 5 against Samford at Bright House Networks Stadium, UCFAthletics.com recently caught up with Rabazinski to get his thoughts on the summer as well as the upcoming season.
If you want to see Rabazinski and the Knights play at Bright House Networks Stadium seven times this season, order your season tickets today. For more information, call the UCF Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000.
What was the highlight of your summer?
"The highlight of my summer was really just getting back into being a part of the team because last year I was injured. It has been great to get back to being with the team after being out for almost six months. That was the highlight. I spent most of the summer in the football facility getting ready for the season."
What are most looking forward to about the upcoming season and why?
"I am looking forward to getting back to the championship game. Last year obviously we didn't meet expectations like we wanted to and I think we are just looking forward to getting back to where we should be as far as the conference goes."
Where do you think you improved the most over the offseason as an individual?
"I think in the weight room I improved a lot. I put on like 12 pounds so that is going to be pretty helpful during the season as far as blocking goes, and with the wear and tear of the season, so I can maintain where I am physically throughout the year."
What do you think the most important part of preseason practice is in preparing for the season and why?
"I think it is the mental aspect of the game that preseason really gets you ready for. Getting all the plays in your head so that when you are out there you are not thinking you are more reacting, and I think preseason camp really helps with that."
What do you see as the keys to your team having success this season?
"I think us being consistent and being able to finish off games. If you look back to last season there were probably three or four games that a couple of plays here and there would have changed the result and we would have had a much better season. If we do those two things we should be able to reach our goals."
For the offense, you have a lot of players back with more experience under their belts. How do you that will help the offense improve this season?
"It is going to be a lot more exciting on the offensive side of the ball. We have a lot more playmakers. Everyone out there can make a play at any time so that is exciting knowing you have other guys around you that can score a touchdown at any play in the game. That will add a whole new aspect to our offense with everybody being so experienced."
What will be the team's main focus or goal this season?
"I think as always we start off the season saying we want to win the conference championship. Getting to that conference championship on our home field and going to the Liberty Bowl are definitely main goals and a priority."
What are your goals individually this season?
"Honestly I just want to get out there and help the team any way I can. If that means catching balls or blocking for the running backs or whatever it is on special teams I am ready to do it to help us get back to that conference championship."
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