March 12, 2012
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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The Donald Dizney Practice Fields and Nicholson Fieldhouse will be very busy for the next five weeks with UCF football opening up its spring season Tuesday at 8:50 a.m. The Knights have scheduled 14 practice sessions leading up to their annual Spring Game Saturday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium which serves as the highlight of a full day of festivities in and around the stadium.
2012 UCF Football Spring Schedule
Tuesday, March 13, 8:50-11 a.m.
Thursday, March 15, 8:50-11 a.m.
Saturday, March 17, 10-12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, March 20, 8:50-11 a.m.
Thursday, March 22, 8:50-11 a.m.
Saturday, March 24, 1-3:15 p.m.
Tuesday, March 27, 8:50-11 a.m.
Thursday, March 29, 8:50-11 a.m.
Saturday, March 31, 10-12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3, 8:50-11 a.m.
Thursday, April 5, 8:50-11 a.m.
Saturday, April 7, 10-12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 10, 8:50-11 a.m.
Thursday, April 12, 8:50-11 a.m.
Saturday, April 14, 2 p.m. (Spring Game at Bright House Networks Stadium)
Practice dates and times subject to change
Fans are reminded that there is NO photography or videography allowed at practice and are kindly asked to not describe UCF football practices in online public forums or through social media.
Highlighted by 22 seniors and six 2011 C-USA All-Freshman Team selections, UCF has an entertaining mix of players returning for the 2012 campaign. On the offensive side of the ball, seniors have combined for 119-career starts including offensive linemen Jordan Rae (25) and Theo Goins (22). Wide receivers Rob Calabrese and Quincy McDuffie, H-back Dontravius Floyd and fullback Billy Giovanetti all return for their final year in Black and Gold, and running backs Latavius Murray (549 yards, 8 TD) and Brynn Harvey (574, 3 TD) racked up 1,123 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago.
Serving as senior veterans on defense, linebackers Jonathan Davis and Ray Shipman, safeties Kemal Ishmael (team leader in tackles the past two years) and Lyle Dankenbring, cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive linemen Troy Davis and Toby Jackson have a combined 61-career starts. Ishmael will enter 2012 with a team-high 35-straight starts dating back to 2009.
Among the C-USA All-Freshman Team picks was quarterback Blake Bortles, who dazzled with a 68.2 completion percentage, 958 passing yards, six touchdowns and just three interceptions. Wide receiver J.J. Worton (UCF freshman record with 41 receptions), kick returner Rannell Hall (also named to the All-C-USA First Team), offensive lineman Torrian Wilson, linebacker Troy Gray and safety Clayton Geathers also were voted onto the all-freshman squad.
In all, a combined 20 freshmen and sophomores had at least one start during the 2011 campaign. Jordan and Justin McCray posted six starts on the offensive line last season as sophomores, and wide receiver Josh Reese hauled in 30 catches for 461 yards as a freshman. Defensive lineman Victor Gray will continue to be looked upon as one of UCF's vocal leaders, and the Orlando native had 5.0 tackles for loss and seven break-ups as a sophomore in 2011.
UCF season tickets are currently on sale. For more information contact the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com. The Knights will kick off their schedule at Akron Aug. 30 and at Ohio State Sept. 8 before hosting FIU Sept. 15 and Missouri Sept. 29.