June 7, 2011
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By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The Knights open the 2011 campaign on Sept. 3, hosting Charleston Southern at Bright House Networks Stadium. With the campaign approaching, UCFAthletics.com's John Denton takes a look at defensive end Troy Davis, a player to watch on the UCF defense.
PLAYER: Troy Davis
POSITION: Defensive End
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, CLASS: 6-2, 256, Junior
HOMETOWN: Lawrenceville, Ga.
BEST ON-FIELD TRAITS: Davis is a dynamic pass rusher who could very well become the next big star defensive player for the Knights. Davis has the rare combination of speed, power and unbreakable will to become another sack specialist at UCF.
2010 STATISTICS: Despite splitting time with David Williams and Darius Nall much of last season, Davis still had 5.5 sacks, including a key half sack on Georgia's final drive of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. His biggest game of the season was against Rice when he had 2.5 sacks. He also registered 26 total tackles, eight of which were behind the line.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: UCF will be looking for a replacement for Bruce Miller after the two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year graduated and was selected in the NFL Draft. Davis is the most likely replacement candidate because of his ability to beat blockers and get to the quarterback. Davis is a blur coming off the edge, often beating tackles out of their stance. And he has deceptive power, allowing him to use his bull rush when on the inside. But what makes Davis a dynamic pass rusher is that he's a multiple effort player, meaning he'll use two or three moves and never give up on a play.
WHERE HE'S BETTER: Davis planned to spend much of his offseason working to improve his speed to become an even faster rusher off the edge. He planned on working on plyometric drills and quick-twitch exercises to better his quickness off the ball, overall speed and athleticism on spin moves. Davis will also get a chance to be an every-down player this season, meaning more strength will help with his durability.
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.