Sept. 14, 2010
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By Claire Supplice
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) -It was a great welcome back on Saturday night for redshirt senior cornerback Emery Allen as he ventured off his medical redshirt back into the swing of things. Allen, who missed majority of the 2009 season with a foot injury, saw his first start back with the Knights since his true freshman year.
Registering a career high seven tackles against NC State in the 2007 season opener, Allen made just as much of an impact in his return against the Wolfpack with five total tackles (four solo). Allen's five tackles represent the third-highest total in his 36-career games as a Knight.
We spoke with Allen Tuesday about how he felt to return to the field once more in his "second" senior season.
How happy are you to be back on the field this season?
"I'm excited to be back out on the field. It's a great feeling to be back out there with the guys and to be able to contribute to the team, make plays for the team, and help us come out with some wins."
Do you feel fortunate to have a "second" senior season?
"Yes, I thank God everyday for it because you never know when it's going to be your last play. I mean, you never think about it until it actually happens, so I'm very grateful."
How difficult was it to sit out last season and watch from the sidelines?
"I've never been the type of player to like to sit on the sidelines or watch a game. I've always been on the field since I was in little league so it hurt my heart to find out I wasn't going to be able to play for the team."
Were there any positive things about not playing last year?
"Yes, it gave me another year to mature and see things from a different point of view on the sidelines. It also allowed me to see it from a coaching point of view and help out with the younger guys."
What did you learn from watching?
"Just small things like staying square and little mistakes people make that you can correct. There are just different things that you pick up when you're not out there."
A loss is a loss, but were you pleased with the way that the team rallied back in the second half?
"Yes, we fought hard in the second half, but I just wish we would've come out the first half fighting just as hard. I wish we would've done that from the beginning."
What are some challenges playing on the road against Buffalo Bulls?
"I look at every game as the same, so really there's no challenges as far as from us. We just have to go out there and do what we're suppose to do, like initiating our assignments, and just make it happen."
The Knights' first away game is set for this Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Buffalo Bulls and will air on Bright House Sports Network. Live audio and statistics will be available on UCFAthletics.com and radio broadcast courtesy of UCF ISP Sports Radio Network (broadcast details listed at bottom).
The Knights will play four more home contests against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, East Carolina Pirates, UAB Blazers and Rice Owls. Season tickets for UCF's 2010 football campaign at Bright House Networks Stadium are currently available by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at 407-UCF-1000 or logging on to UCFAthletics.com.
UCF at Buffalo
Saturday, Sept. 18 - UB Stadium - 7 p.m.
TV: Bright House Network
Radio: UCF ISP Sports Radio Network- Marc Daniels (play-by-play), Mike Gruttadauria (color), Jerry O'Neill (sideline reporter), Scott Adams (reporter)
WYGM 740AM - Orlando, WMMV 1350AM Cocoa, WDCF 1350AM - Dade City, WROD 1340AM - Daytona Beach, WMMB 1240AM - Melbourne, WLVJ 1040AM/WKAT 1360 AM - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South Palm Beach, WPSL 1590AM - Treasure Coast/North Palm Beach, WZHR 1400AM - Zephyrhills
Internet: Live audio and statistics at UCFAthletics.com