June 11, 2010
Orlando, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Former UCF wide receiver and fan favorite Rocky Ross signed a contract to play with the UFL's Florida Tuskers today.
As reported in the Orlando SentinelRoss, the Jacksonville native, was offered a spot on the Tuskers' roster after impressing head coach Jay Gruden and receivers coach Ike Hilliard during an open workout in Orlando on May 15.
Said Gruden in a Tuskers news release, "We are excited to add Rocky. He is a big, physical wide receiver, who was also a standout on special teams. He has been well coached at UCF and we believe he will compete for a roster spot with the Tuskers."
Said Ross in the same news release, "For me, being able to play in Orlando is a blessing. I consider Central Florida to be home now and being able to play here in front of my friends and family and for them to be able to be here for support is great. It feels good to start something new in an environment that I am comfortable with."
One of the UCF football program's top leaders, Ross, who played from 2005-09, totaled 1,984 receiving yards for his career on 157 receptions and eight touchdowns. In his final campaign, Ross caught 41 passes for 461 yards and three touchdowns. Off the field, Ross was a model student, achieving national academic awards throughout his UCF career. Last season, he was named by ESPN The Magazine to their Academic All-America second team, as well All-District III team. Once again, he was named to the Conference All-Academic team, while being nominated to the national Allstate/AFCA Good Works Team.
The Tuskers' first game of the 2010 season will be Sept. 17 on the road against the Las Vegas Locomotives, who play in UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium. Florida's home opener is game three of the season. It is set for Thursday, Sept. 30, against Las Vegas in the Citrus Bowl.