June 1, 2011
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By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Anticipation for the 2011 football season at UCF is higher than ever following the finest season in school history in 2010.
The Knights are coming off an 11-3 season in which they won both the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the Conference USA Championship Game title. UCF defeated Georgia 10-6 in Memphis on Dec. 31 for the school's first-ever bowl victory.
UCF also entered the national rankings for the first time last season and finished ranked No. 20 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll. Also, the Knights were No. 21 in the Associated Press poll and hope to begin next season in both national polls.
With the opening of training camp just two months away and the Sept. 3 opener at Bright House Networks Stadium against Charleston Southern approaching, UCFAthletics.com's John Denton will take a look at various players to watch this season leading up to the start of camp on Aug. 4.
PLAYER: Jeff Godfrey
POSITION: Quarterback
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, CLASS: 5-11, 182, sophomore
BEST ON-FIELD TRAITS: Godfrey is mature beyond his years and just has a tremendous knack for making big plays whether it's by throwing the ball or running with it. He is a leader through his actions.
2010 STATISTICS: He was the highest-rated freshman quarterback in the country, registering a 154.3 rating last season while completing 66.8 percent of his passes and throwing 13 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions. He threw for 2,159 yards and ran for 566 yards and 10 touchdowns despite not becoming the starter until the third game of the season.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Godfrey was the most hyped prospect to sign with UCF in school history and he more than lived up to that billing as a true freshman by leading the Knights to a C-USA title and a bowl victory. He proved himself to be a weapon with both his powerful right arm and his legs, carving up foes through the air and on the ground. He has shown the ability to make all of the throws and he was often able to sneak balls into tight spots last season because of his great arm strength. And when running the ball, Godfrey just seemed to have a knack for finding the end zone and the first down marker. He scored 10 rushing touchdowns and a big chunk of his 152 rushes last season went for first downs.
WHERE HE'S BETTER: Godfrey worked hard in spring practice on staying in the pocket longer to let plays develop. He showed great strides in doing that, and was able to hit receivers down the field for deeper throws. UCF's coaching staff has also opened up more of the playbook to Godfrey, allowing him to read the entire field now instead of just half of it on plays. While still possessing the ability to scramble to avoid the rush, Godfrey will likely stay in the pocket more this season is order to become a more potent weapon throwing the ball.
UCF 2011 football season ticket packages can be purchased or renewed online at UCFAthletics.com or by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000. Home games include Charleston Southern [Champions UKNIGHT (Sept. 3)], Boston College [Hall of Fame Weekend (Sept. 10)], Marshall (Oct. 8), Memphis [Alumni UKNIGHT - Homecoming 2011 (Oct. 29)], Tulsa (Nov. 5) and UTEP [Senior Day (Nov. 26)]. Should UCF host the C-USA Championship Game for the fourth time in seven years, it would be played on Saturday, Dec. 3 and season ticket holders will receive the first shot at the best seats.
John Denton's Knights Insider appears on UCFAthletics.com several times a week. E-mail John at jdenton@athletics.ucf.edu.