Nov. 18, 2009
By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
Click here to receive the Knights Insider via email
Sometimes, Michael Greco said rather matter-of-factly, it's simply about just wanting to continue to play football. Nothing more, nothing less - just a desire to keep playing the game you love.
When Greco was informed last spring by coach George O'Leary that he would no longer be considered for playing time as UCF's starting quarterback, the senior had two choices. He was about to graduate last spring and very easily could have headed off into the real world and never looked back at his football days. Or Greco could make a position switch to strong safety and try to make the most of his final year of eligibility.
Though he'd be giving up his dreams of being a college quarterback and forced into learning a totally new position, the decision really wasn't as difficult of one as some might have thought, Greco said.
``If I had left, what would I be doing right now ... sitting at home and doing nothing? Who wants to do that?'' Greco said with a chuckle. ``This team is full of great guys, I get along with them real good and there's just nothing better than being a part of a team.
``And really, I just wanted to come back and play football.''
And Greco has played the game well, going from a reserve safety to a starter within a few weeks of the season opening. His progression was so quick and positive that UCF was able to move Derrick Hallman back to linebacker to make UCF's rock-solid front seven even better.
Through 10 games, Greco ranks eighth on the team in tackles with 26 solo stops and 14 assists. He's broken up four passes and forced a fumble. And count O'Leary among those who is still shocked that Greco was able to make the transition from quarterback in 2008 to starting safety in 2009.
``I was skeptical,'' O'Leary admitted. ``He's a first-time starter back there and was struggling a little bit early on, but he's made tremendous strides back there. He's worked at the game and become a student of the game with (video work). He understands certain sets and understands the run-pass ratio by different tendencies. I'm really happy with how he's played.''
O'Leary told Greco, who threw five touchdowns and four interceptions in eight games last season as a quarterback, that he'd only let him come back as a safety if he proved that he could handle the rigors of the position. But he made quite an impression on the coaches in spring ball, proving he could pick up the schemes and wouldn't shy away from contact.
Greco's steady rise as a dependable safety has helped UCF's youthful secondary improve as the season has progressed. UCF entered last Saturday ranked 114th in the country against the pass, but frustrated Houston's record-smashing quarterback Case Keenum throughout. UCF's ability to stop the pass allowed the Knights to pull off a 37-32 defeat of the No. 12 Cougars.
``They've gotten better each week. I don't know if it's been by yards or maybe feet, but they've gotten better,'' O'Leary said of his secondary. ``As they are exposed to more scenarios out there, they get better.''
Greco's transition was eased by the fact that he is among the Knights' most physically gifted players. At 6-foot-3 and 217 pounds, he has the size and strength to deliver big hits from his strong safety slot. And because he has 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash and he's a good leaper, he has the tools to compete with rangy wide receivers in jump-ball situations.
And, of course, it never hurts a defensive back when they think like a quarterback. His days as a signal-caller helped him pick up formations quickly and know what quarterbacks look for against certain defenses.
``It was a little tough in the beginning, but I just kept working hard and got better,'' he said. ``Every game I got more and more comfortable back there. It became second nature after a few games.''
Greco will play what is likely his final game at Bright House Networks Stadium on Saturday when UCF (6-4) hosts Tulane at 2 p.m. Greco said Senior Day will likely mean more to his parents, Charles and Joanna Greco, than him because he'll be so focused on the game.
He shrugs his shoulders at his own personal satisfaction of having a successful senior season and said he's actually more proud of what his team has accomplished after a slow start to the year.
``I'm proud as I can be with this team,'' he said. ``We've stuck together and halfway through the season coach just told us with six games to go that we had a new season ahead of us. We've been playing so hard.
``We've been playing great defense, especially against the run. I think teams get a little worried now when they come in here and know they have to face UCF's defense.''
John Denton's Knights Insider appears several times per week on UCFAthletics.com. E-mail John at jdenton@athletics.ucf.edu.