ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) - UCF head coach Scott Frost referred to Monday and Tuesday morning practices as bonus days for the Knights, who will begin game preparation for the 2017 season opener later this week.
With the fall semester of classes starting on Monday, #KnightsCamp is over. UCF practice inside Nicholson Fieldhouse Monday, outside on the practice fields Tuesday morning, and will take a day off Wednesday before gearing up for Aug. 31's opener against FIU at Spectrum Stadium.
Following practice Tuesday morning, Frost had a clear message to his team. "Camp's over. We gotta get ready for a game now."
CHINANDER CHAT
Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander on the end of camp…
"Today, we finished up some situational work. Coach Frost did a great job in planning this practice. We saw some situations that we haven't seen before. We had a little bit of scout exchange, so the guys can get used to it. We'll get a day off tomorrow to get into game plan mode. Then, we'll come back to prepare for game week."
On younger players who have impressed…
"The one guy who comes to mind is Antwan Collier. In spring football, we thought he was going to be a good player, but he probably wasn't ready. He came into camp and really shined. I think he's really going to help us as a true freshman this year."
On the culture of the defense…
"I think what I'm most excited about is how people have said 'You lost a lot of players. Hopefully, we can be good this year', so we're playing with a little chip on our shoulder, even though there's a little hype. Can we be better than last year? Absolutely, we can. Can we be as good as anyone in the league? Absolutely, we can. I'm excited for these guys to take that challenge on. I'm excited about the culture in our room, the togetherness of this defense. Last year, it maybe wasn't as close of a unit, some good players, but changing over systems and the culture of the team. The guys we lost started to form the culture, and these guys have really taken that thing and run with it. I'm really surprised and really happy to see this group run around and make plays."
On expectations of Dedrion Bacote…
"I think everyone knew that he could rush of the edge and get the quarterback. I'm really pleased with how he's dropped into coverage and played the run. He's got the system down. Last year, it was you line up, rush off the edge and go get the ball. This year, we're not limiting the plays we call with him. He's done a great job of learning every portion of the scheme. He's exceeded expectations."
FULL SOUND FROM FROST
KNIGHTS IN THE NEWS
- AAC fresh faces: Five freshmen who have the potential to breakout in 2017 - Barton Simmons, CBS Sports
- Former coach: UCF transfer Mike Hughes is 'gift from God' for Knights - Chris Hays, Orlando Sentinel
- UCF defensive lineman Trysten Hill equally happy scuba diving, shutting down offenses - Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel
UCF KNIGHT TALKUCF Football fans will have the opportunity to interact with head coach Scott Frost, assistant coaches and players once again at UCF Knight Talk in 2017. Starting Monday, Aug. 28 and airing each Wednesday on game week thereafter, Marc Daniels will host the radio show at Burger U on the campus of UCF. It will air live on FM 96.9/AM 740 The Game and the iHeart Radio app.
RISE AND CONQUERThe second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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