Aug. 4, 2009
ORLANDO (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF returns almost the entire two-deep front seven from a unit that led Conference USA in rushing defense and passing efficiency last fall while also ranking second in both total defense and scoring defense. The Knights ranked third in the nation last fall with 8.17 tackles for loss per game and 26th nationally in sacks.
The strength of the unit is a powerful yet agile defensive line that is led by junior Bruce Miller and senior Torrell Troup. Miller was recently named first-team preseason all-conference in a vote of league coaches while Troup was named first-team preseason all-conference in a vote of league media members. Both are excellent in their roles, Miller as a part-time end and part-time tackle depending on the situation and Troup as a blocker-eating nose tackle who allows others to roam free and make plays.
UCFAthletics.com caught up with both just days before Thursday's start of preseason training camp. For information on seeing Miller, Troup and all of the Knights in action seven times this fall in Orlando at Bright House Networks Stadium, please check out the ticket information page here at UCFAthletics.com or call 407-823-1000.
Summer workouts are over and training camp is around the corner. How does the team look?
TT: "It went pretty well. Everybody made strides in the weight room. We all stuck together and pushed through some tough workouts. This year is going to be a lot better because of that."
BM: "We've worked hard all summer and everyone's really excited to get going into the season."
There has been a lot of talk about the offense this summer but not much about the defense. How do you feel about that?
BM: "We've been consistent so there isn't a whole lot to say. We're going to be a good group again this year. We're going to work hard and we're going to play hard. There's a lot of new things going on with the offense and a lot to talk about, but we're going to come out, play hard and do what we've been doing."
TT: "You don't really have to talk about us. We do what we have to do. We aren't going to do much different than last year. We're still going to play great. We don't need to be in the headlines like that."
How does this defensive line compare to others you have seen?
TT: "This is our best defensive line. We are all athletic. We can all play different positions. We're versatile. This is the best line that I've been a part of. Overall, our defensive line is the strength of the defense. We have a strong linebacking corps and we have some good young kids in the back. As a group, the linemen are going to do what we can to make everybody's job easier."
BM: "I've played on a lot of good lines here. As we've gone through the system, the line that we have here this year has grown together as a group. It's going to be something special."
What does it say that you each got first-team all-conference once?
BM: "I'm not really sure what that means. People have different opinions. He's well deserving of both. It's an honor to be on there myself."
TT: "It's just a difference of opinion. For me, I don't play a glory position. I play nose tackle so I'm not looking for glory. I'm just looking to be respected and I think I will be respected with my play on the field."
What makes the other so good?
BM: "What is special about him is as dominant as he is and how athletic he is for a big guy. Myself, I feel like I am a versatile player. I can move inside and outside and be successful."
TT: "He's a tough guy who can play any place. His motor never stops. He makes hustle plays."
What are the goals for this year as a team and an individual?
BM: "Of course our goal is to get back to the conference championship and get to the Liberty Bowl. That's always our goal as a team. As an individual, it would just be to accomplish what the preseason hype is, to be all-conference and just help the team out, doing what I can to make sure that we get back to the conference championship."
TT: "Individual, I want to be constantly dominant. As a team, we want to win every game, go to a bowl game, and hopefully the Liberty Bowl as conference champs. It's starting to pop in my head that I'm a senior, getting ready for my last camp and my last season. It's kind of emotional, but hopefully this won't be my last time playing football."