Aug. 16, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - While UCF will be getting accustomed to playing without its starting secondary from 2008, the Knights will have the luxury of an experienced defensive line. Possibly the most important piece of that line is senior defensive tackle Torrell Troup (Conyers, Ga.), who could gain national attention as one of the country's best at his position.
The attention has already started despite being just over a week into preseason camp, as Troup has already been named preseason All-Conference USA and to the Outland Trophy Watch List, which recognizes the best linemen in the country.
Troup was named to the C-USA all-conference second-team in 2008 after totaling 52 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and a pair of sacks. He is currently preparing for the Knights season opener at Bright House Networks Stadium on Sept. 5 against Samford. UCF will practice again this afternoon at 3:20 p.m., and the session is open to all fans and media.
Season tickets are currently on sale by calling the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000. The Kngihts will host seven games, including contests against Miami and four C-USA opponents. UCFAthletics.com caught up with Troup recently to get his thoughts on the 2009 season.
What was the highlight of your summer and where did you spend most of it?
"Most of it was spent in the weight room, trying to get better. I had a lot of work to do this summer and I got a lot accomplished, so hopefully it will carry over into the practices and the games."
What are most looking forward to about the upcoming season and why?
"Just playing. I'm ready to hit somebody. We've only been hitting each other, and I'm already ready to hit somebody else."
Where do you think you improved on the most over the offseason as an individual?
"My hand-play has really improved and hopefully that carries over because I really need that."
What do you think will be the biggest differences in the team this season compared to last season?
"We're just a little younger in secondary. We're pretty much returning everyone else. We don't want to allow what we did last year. We want to be better."
What do you think the most important part of preseason practice is in preparing for the season and why?
"Everything is important in preparing for the games because everything we do will make us better. We just put our all into everything we do."
What do you see as the keys to your team having success this season?
"I think we'll be pretty good on the offensive line. We have some young kids that just want to step up and build up the offense. On the defensive line, we've got to play at the same speed that we've been playing; running to the ball, making good plays, and just helping out our offense.
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?
"We want to make every game, every play. We want to dominate and have people to look at our team."
What are your goals individually this season?
"Same thing. I want to dominate and demand attention."
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.