June 21, 2011
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By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Anticipation for the 2011 UCF football season, which starts on Sept. 3 against visiting Charleston Southern, is growing. The Knights are coming off an 11-3 season in which they won both the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the Conference USA championship.
With the campaign quickly approaching, UCFAthletics.com's John Denton is taking a look at some key players to watch this year.
PLAYER: Nick Pieschel
POSITION: Offensive Tackle
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, CLASS: 6-7, 301, Senior
HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
BEST ON-FIELD TRAITS: Pieschel is one of the smartest and most versatile players on UCF's football team, as evidenced by his ability to play three different spots along the offensive line throughout his career.
2010 STATISTICS: He started all 14 games last season at left guard, giving him 32 career starts for the Knights. His work along with Jah Reid and Adam Nissley gave the Knights a dominant right side to run behind and to protect standout quarterback Jeff Godfrey. Thanks in part to the blocking of Pieschel, UCF was one of just two teams in the nation to have three players (Latavius Murray, Ronnie Weaver and Godfrey) with at least 10 rushing touchdowns.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: After spending the first two years of his career at left tackle, Pieschel successfully made the transition to right guard last season and thrived. He was so good alongside Reid, his closest friend on the team, that he was an Honorable Mention All-C-USA selection. His size and durability are big perks for a UCF offensive line that has the ability to be one of the best in school history this season because of the experience and depth.
WHERE HE'S BETTER: Pieschel will be looked to to fill the shoes of Reid, who was a second-round selection in the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He has the great size to drive block and the smarts to pick up blitzes, so the Knights should once again be dominant on the right side of the line. The coaching staff wants Pieschel to be more physical and more aggressive this season, and if he can grow in those areas he could evolve into a candidate to be selected in the NFL Draft.
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.