Aug. 21, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - Standing at 6-foot-7, 314 pounds, redshirt junior offensive lineman Jah Reid (Haines City, Fla.) is one of the biggest players in Conference USA. One of the most experienced players on UCF's offensive line, he will look to help UCF stand tall this season as the Knights vie for the C-USA crown.
Along with his teammates on the line, Reid will be looking to return UCF back to its 2007 form, when he was named to the C-USA All-Conference Freshman team. That season, the right tackle helped Kevin Smith lead the nation in rushing with 2,567 and win C-USA's Offensive Player of the Year award. Reid has seen action in each of UCF's the Knights' 26 games in his first two seasons, working at both guard and tackle.
To see Reid and the Knights in action seven times this fall at Bright House Networks Stadium, order season tickets today. For more information, call the UCF Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000. Friday's practice will run from 3:20-5:30. It will be one of the last opportunities to see the Knights practice as beginning Monday all practices are closed to the public along with a Saturday morning (9:20-11:30) scrimmage and light Sunday workout (1:30-2:30 p.m.) in the Nicholson Fieldhouse prior to the team's annual Fall FanFest.
UCFAthletics.com recently caught up with Reid as he and his teammates continue preparations for the season opener with Samford at Bright House Networks Stadium on Sept. 5.
What was the highlight of your summer and where did you spend most of it?
"I spent most of it here [at UCF] of course. The highlight was just working everyday with my teammates, getting better and getting stronger in the weight room.
What are most looking forward to about the upcoming season and why?
"I am just looking forward to the games and the fans and everything that goes into it. I am so excited."
Where do you think you improved on the most over the offseason as an individual?
"As an individual I think I have improved my speed, my strength and also my leadership. I am trying to step up as a leader more than before. I believe we have all done well to mesh together and become more of a unit."
What do you think will be the biggest differences in the team this season compared to last season?
"Maturity because everyone is a lot older. We have had a lot more practice and time spent around one another. Hopefully everything will come together."
What do you think the most important part of preseason practice is in preparing for the season and why?
"Attitude. You have to come out with a winning effort and give your all everyday and work hard. Hopefully from there that will transfer over to the games."
What do you see as the keys to your team having success this season?
"Always staying positive and working together. And when we go out there to play just know we are going to win."
For the offense, you have a lot of players back with more experience under their belts. How do you think that will help the offense improve this season?
"That is the number one key - that we are all back together. We have had a year to work together. We trust [Rob] Calabrese. We trust Brynn [Harvey] and all of the quarterbacks and running backs. Hopefully they trust us on the offensive line."
What are your goals individually this season?
"I just want to go out there and try my best, try my hardest and hopefully we will win conference and go from there."
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.