ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) - Wednesday's 11th practice of the spring was an important one for the UCF football team. It was the Knights' second scrimmage this spring and the last full scrimmage until the April 21 Spring Game presented by DEX Imaging. This scrimmage also marked the first time the full team has worked out inside Spectrum Stadium since the end of last season.
UCF's high-powered offense was on display early and often throughout the scrimmage. Otis Anderson, Adrian Killins, Marlon Williams, Greg McCrae and Cameron Stewart were just a few of the offensive players to tally explosive plays. But the defense had its moments, as well. The Knight defenders created a handful of turnovers and negative plays. Antwan Collier had an interception, Pat Jasinski made a few plays in the offensive backfield, Nevelle Clarke and Rashard Causey were in on a number of pass breakups, as well as many others who contributed.
"I thought it was awesome," quarterback McKenzie Milton said of the scrimmage. "I thought it was highly competitive. Offense and defense traded some blows. Guys were out there competing. It was a lot of fun."
Milton said the tempo of UCF's offense is impressive, as does virtually every Knight who talks to the media.
"I think we're going even faster this year," Milton said. "I thought today our tempo was the best it's been all spring. I think it will be pretty exciting to watch."
On the defensive side of the ball, lineman Joey Connors said there were some positives from today's scrimmage, but noted there is always improvement to be made.
"It was pretty good today," Connors said. "But we still have stuff to work on. We still need to be in the film room. We still need to learn the system."
With a new defensive coordinator in Randy Shannon and a bit of a change in defensive philosophy and scheme, Connors said the most important goal for his unit is learning.
"That's our biggest key right now, is we need to get into the playbook and learn the defense better," he said. "We really need to communicate. We need to communicate better."
With the Spring Game presented by DEX Imaging right around the corner, the Knights are getting excited to get in the Bouncehouse in an atmosphere similar to game day.
"Not a lot's going to change. We're still going to make big plays," Milton said. "I think it will be pretty exciting to watch April 21st."
Pics from Practice - Click Here for More
What's Next
The Knights will be back on the practice field again Friday morning. While all practices are closed to the public, UCF head coach Josh Heupel has invited all UCF students with a valid UCF Student ID to visit practice from 10:15-11:15 Friday at the Donald Dizney Practice Fields, located just south of Spectrum Stadium.
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 (http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/3/6/football-spring-game-ticket-information.aspx) for more details on obtaining UCF Football Spring Game presented by DEX Imaging tickets.
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