Aug. 18, 2012
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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - With the announcement of the Associated Press Preseason Poll Saturday, UCF football will enter the 2012 season picking up votes in both the AP and USA Today preseason rankings. This marks the fifth time in the last six seasons the Knights earned points in at least one of the polls.
UCF totaled four votes in the Preseason AP Top 25 to place 37th in the nation. That is the highest preseason ranking in the AP poll in school history. The Knights' highest position in the AP poll overall was 21st at the conclusion of the 2010 campaign.
On Aug. 2, UCF picked up five votes in the USA Today Sports Preseason Coaches' Poll to place 41st. The highest showing in that top 25 occurred at the end of 2010 when the Black and Gold ranked a program-best 20th.
AP Preseason Poll: Click Here
USA Today Preseason Poll: Click Here
The Knights have eight starters returning on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in 2012, including an impressive senior class. On offense, Quincy McDuffie had a breakout year as a wideout in 2011 with a team-high 43 receptions, center Jordan Rae and left guard Theo Goins return to anchor the offensive line, running backs Latavius Murray and Brynn Harvey have a combined 40 rushing touchdowns and Billy Giovanetti is back as the starting fullback.
Leading the way on defense, free safety Kemal Ishmael has made 35 straight starts, cornerback A.J. Bouye is back after missing the last five games of 2011 with an injury, Jonathan Davis and Ray Shipman now have one full year of experience at the linebacker position and defensive end Troy Davis paces all returning players with 10.5 sacks.
Already in their third week of preseason camp, the Knights will hold their annual FanFest Saturday at 5 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium.
The 2012 campaign kicks off at Akron Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., while the home opener is set for Sept. 15 vs. FIU at 4 p.m. UCF football season tickets are currently available for as low as $140, while single-game tickets and flex plans are also on sale. For more information and to place an order, call the UCF Ticket Office at (407) UCF-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com. Attending a UCF football game is a great way to celebrate birthdays, corporate outings or any special occasion. Please ask about group packages today.