ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The offensive unit of the UCF football team did not fare well against its defensive counterpart in Monday's practice. With Wednesday's workout scheduled to consist mostly of a live scrimmage, the offensive players were motivated to make a statement.
By all accounts, they did just that.
"The offense had a good day," Knights head coach Scott Frost said after the practice session. "We're coming around on that side of the ball … more than anything the mentality flipped today. The (offensive) line played a lot better. Our running backs were running harder. We're blocking on the perimeter and executing a lot better. When we do those things, we can be a dangerous offense."
The defensive players could do nothing but agree with Coach Frost's assessment.
"It was a change," senior linebacker Shaquem Griffin said. "It was a big difference. After Monday … we knew the offense was going to come back with something strong. But the way they came out today actually showed a lot. They showed some more spunk, some physicality and it was something exciting to see."
Sophomore running back Jawon Hamilton said getting together as a group before practice helped provide a little extra momentum going into the scrimmage.
"I just felt the energy today," Hamilton said. "We came out with a purpose. We just kind of made up our mind what we were going to go out and do today and we did just what we planned. Monday was probably the worst practice we've had all spring, so … we just tried to come out and show what we've got."
Frost said the change in his offense's demeanor was noticeable Monday.
"Enthusiasm and attitude go so far on the football field," he said. "The offense managed to grab it today and it made a huge difference. The best offenses I've ever been around, the offensive line are the leaders of attitude and toughness. We got that today. I want to see it keep up."
Of course, the quarterback is an important piece to any offense's execution. Frost said sophomore McKenzie Milton stepped up his game Monday and has throughout the spring.
"There were some problems that were caused by a lot of different things last year," Frost said. "His mechanics were bad … part of that was him and part of that was not giving him enough time in the pocket. It's been a challenge for him to make sure that mechanically he's in the right place with his feet and his weight transfer. In order to get that done, we have to have a pocket for him to set his feet and throw. Both of those things have been a lot better this spring."
While the focus of the remaining spring practices will continue to be competition, the next opportunity for the offensive and defensive units to square off in a full, live scrimmage will be following the Spring Game, set for April 22.
What's On Tap?
The Knights have one more workout scheduled for this week, as they will work out under the lights Friday evening. Monday and Wednesday next week will mark the final practices of the spring prior to the Spring Game.
UCFastival, Spring Game Details
The second UCFastival will be held April 22, beginning at 11 a.m. The pre-game festivities will be highlighted by a concert from country music sensation Lauren Alaina. The Spring Game follows the UCFastival and begins at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more information. VIP UCFastival Tickets are available by clicking here. General admission tickets for the Spring Game can be purchased by clicking here.
