Aug. 15, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Senior Jordan Richards (Cary, N.C.) says he is just looking forward to playing football in 2009. Part of UCF's experience and explosive linebacking corps, Richards is working his way back after missing most of last season with a broken leg and using preseason camp to get himself ready for a productive senior campaign.
Richards has fought injuries throughout his UCF career, but when he has gotten onto the playing field he has produced. After sitting out the 2007 season with a medical redshirt, he played in only four games as a junior in 2008. However, he made 11 tackles, including a team-leading seven in the season-opening win over South Carolina State. As a true freshman in 2005, Richards landed himself on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team after making six starts and tallying 41 tackles.
UCF returns to the practice field today at 3:20 p.m. in preparation for its season opener against Samford on Sept. 5. UCFAthletics.com recently spoke with Richards about gearing up for the season and his goals for the year.
Season tickets are currently available to see Richards and his UCF teammates play seven home games this season at Bright House Networks Stadium, including a contest against Miami and four C-USA tilts. For more information, call the UCF Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000.
What was the highlight of your summer and where did you spend most of it?
"I spent most of my summer here. I was in summer school. I took a few classes and I've been working out. I've just been working out with all the guys and just staying around here."
What are most looking forward to about the upcoming season and why?
"I'm just looking forward to getting to play football. I sat out most of last year with a broken leg. I'm a senior this year, this is my last year, so I just can't wait to play football."
Where do you think you improved on the most over the offseason as an individual?
"I've improved mostly on my strength. I've gotten a lot stronger."
What do you think will be the biggest differences in the team this season compared to last season?
"The biggest difference is in the overall attitude. Everybody is excited to be here. Not that everyone wasn't last year, but coming off of a less than successful season, you've kind of got a chip on your shoulder. Everybody wants to redeem themselves and prove that that is not the team that we are."
What do you think the most important part of preseason practice is in preparing for the season and why?
"Running the offensive calls and defensive calls, and then obviously conditioning and getting in shape. You need to be able to play football for sixty minutes and be competitive."
What do you see as the keys to your team having success this season?
"Execution and leadership. People need to be where they're supposed to be when they're supposed to be there and doing what they're supposed to do. Having the older guys on the team allows them to really step up and show the younger guys what's expected of them. I think as long as we do that, we'll be good."
What will be the key to replacing Joe Burnett and the rest of the secondary from last season?
"You can't really replace Joe Burnett. He's a great player, a great cornerback and an awesome guy. I think we've just got to have a defensive push, a defense, and a secondary that's willing to do whatever it takes to win. I think as long as we have that, we'll be good."
For the defensive side of the ball and a whole and for your position group specifically, what will be the main focus or goal this season?
"As far as linebackers are concerned, as a unit we would like to lead in tackles. As a defense, we would like to have the best defense in C-USA, and as a team we just want to win the conference championship and go to the bowl game to win that."
What are your goals individually this season?
"My goals are pretty much the same. I'd like to have the best defense in C-USA. I'd like to lead the team in tackles. I'd definitely like to win the conference championship. That would be awesome. If we win that, we can do whatever we want, go to the liberty bowl. I want to win that and really have something to remember for the rest of my life."
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.