ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Practice seven of #KnightsCamp is in the books, as the UCF Football team hit the field after a three-day break for final exams. The Knights were in shells in the 86-degree heat for a little over two hours. Saturday kicks off four straight days of practice for the Knights.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
BACK TO WORK
?? Back to work we go ??#RiseandConquer pic.twitter.com/XoUNBCSZvj
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 5, 2017
FROST'S THOUGHTS
On getting back on the field after the break…
It was good. It was nice to give our guys a break in the middle of camp. With the rules changing on us, we're trying to make the best use of the time. We gave the guys some time off for final to make sure they finish summer classes the right way. It's always a little sluggish when you come back after a break, but I thought our guys did a good job practicing hard.
Thoughts on the first seven practices…
It's still a little early, but I've liked what I've seen. We've had improvement all across the board. Our execution and attention to detail needs to get better, but I've seen improvement.
What have you seen from Jordan Franks
Jordan has been doing a good job. He's a guy that shows up and goes to work at each practice. Between him, Michael Colubiale and Jordan Akins, I'm excited about our tight end position.
How are the quarterbacks during camp…
Everybody is doing some good things at quarterback. Our young guys have a little ways to go as far as learning everything and operating at the pace that we want to play at. The challenge is that knowing what to do in a fraction of the time compared to others. Mackenzie has done some good things. Pete Dinovo is dangerous with it when he takes off. We'll keep letting that play out, but they've done well.
KNIGHTS IN THE NEWS
UCF football sees big gains during second year in strength program - Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel
UCF running backs eager to put up big numbers - Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel
UCF safeties Kyle Gibson, Tre Neal welcome new leadership roles - Chris Hays, Orlando Sentinel
HEAR IT HERE FIRST
EVENTS TO KNOW ABOUT
- Aug. 16 - Media Day
- Aug. 17 - Dinner with Coach Frost and Coach Osborne
- Aug. 18 - Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon
- Aug. 19 - Fan Fest
- Rise and Conquer Fantasy Camps (Aug. 6-8, Aug. 10-12)
FROM THE PLAYERS
McKenzie Milton
What was it like to have the break…
Coach Frost and Coach Duval have a pretty good plan to keep us fresh and keep our legs under us to have a good camp going into the season.
How fast are things moving for the offense…
We're moving pretty quick. We're making strides, but at the same time, we have to fine tune the little details. We need to make sure that we're not taking reps off and sprint on and off the field. It's the little things that we have to work on, but we'll be alright.
What's the battle between defense and offense like…
I would say the defense is ahead of the offense right now. We probably have the best front seven in the conference. We have some young defensive backs who have done well. We trade blows throughout practice, but the challenge is helping us get better.
What defensive player is helping you the most…
Shaquem Griffin is the defensive player that is always challenging me to get better. He's always chasing me around practice. Jamiyus Pittman is another guy who has put pressure on the offense. They're both great leaders. I would also add Pat Jasinski at middle linebacker.
Shaquem Griffin
How has the team handled the first seven practices…
The team is looking great. rt We're not only growing together on the field, but we're staying together off the field. That chemistry that we have is amazing. There are guys who want to do extra work and come back and do extra things. It's something new that we haven't seen before.
How's the competition at linebacker…
The linebackers are looking great. The competition level goes up every single day. Just in film, we have guys saying 'I know this and you forgot about that'. It's great to have guys go at it on the field and during film study. It's not just competition of talent. It's about what you know. Having Coach Dewitt teach us and have us teach all the outside linebackers gives us a sense that we know it well.
What's the difference between last year's camp and this year…
It's a night and day difference. Last year, we still had guys trying to figure stuff out. Now, they know it. They know the expectations and the level that Coach Frost and Coach Chinander want. It's a big difference. We're at a new level and we're only going to continue progressing.
RISE AND CONQUER
The 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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