ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF football team returned to action Monday morning. This time, the Knights were in full pads.
"I really like what our players have done in the first three days, heading into today," head coach Josh Heupel told the media following Monday's fourth session of the spring. "They've gotten better every single day."
The team had put on shells Friday night under the lights, but Monday marked the first full pad practice of 2018. And this year's squad showcased its ability to play through contact to its new head coach.
"We've got a physical group," Heupel said. "They like to hit, they like to be physical, and that gives us a chance on the field."
What will also give the Knights a chance next season is the return of American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year McKenzie Milton. The third year quarterback has already made an impression on the new staff.
"He cares. He pays attention to detail," Heupel said of Milton. "He comes out to practice with a purpose every single day. He's made strides fundamentally every single day because of that, and that's going to allow him to play more efficiently."
Not to be left out, Milton had similarly positive things to say about his new head coach.
"He's very smart. He definitely knows the game," Milton said of Heupel. "He's definitely a student of the game."
Heupel sits in on every quarterback meeting, and Milton has made notice.
"You're always locked in just because he is," Milton said of Heupel's energy. "It's infectious and it goes from the meeting room to the practice field."
Play of the Day
During one-on-one drills, Milton connected with wide receiver Elijah Spann deep down the right side of the field. It was the perfect deep ball that Knight fans witness all of last season. Early on, it seems, Milton is picking up right where he left off.
Bullseye ?? pic.twitter.com/kjYOu8Ot1b-- UCF Football (@UCF_Football) March 26, 2018
Pics From Practice - Click For More
What's Next
The team continues spring practice with a Wednesday morning session. All practices are closed to the public.
UCF Spring Game Tickets
The UCF Football Spring Game presented by DEX Imaging is set for April 21 at 6 p.m. inside Spectrum Stadium. General admission tickets are free. There are premium seats available for the Spring Game at the following prices: Tower Club - $20; Stadium Club - $10; Carl Black & Gold Cabana - $5. Students are always admitted free to UCF Football, with a valid UCF Student ID. Click here for more details on obtaining UCF Football Spring Game presented by DEX Imaging tickets.
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