ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF football team has one scrimmage under its belt, is over half-way through preseason camp, and can see the start of the 2018 season on the horizon. Monday, the Knights completed their 11th practice of the fall, competing inside Nicholson Fieldhouse in preparation of Tuesday’s second scrimmage of camp.
Countdown to Kickoff
The annual Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon is right around the corner. This year’s event will take place Aug. 16 at CFE Arena with UCF head coach Josh Heupel, UCF President Dale Whittaker and more set to speak to fans as the kickoff to the 2018 season.
Guerad Joins AAF Orlando Team
Following the lead of former Knight Rannell Hall, it was announced last week that Tony Guerad has also joined the Orlando based team in the American Alliance of Football.
Growing Up Gridiron
Orlando Magazine's Peter Kerasotis featured Heupel in his most recent piece on UCF Football.
- Click Here to read full feature
First Scrimmage a Success
The Knights held their first scrimmage this past Thursday. Check out this dime from McKenzie Milton to Tre Nixon below.
KZ 👉@tre_nixon1...👌 pic.twitter.com/a7mwGnOawj
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 9, 2018
Head Coach Josh Heupel
On how last week’s first scrimmage went…
“The best part of the scrimmage is that there was give and take on both sides of the ball. We competed very hard, especially our young guys who maybe haven’t had the opportunity to go out and play in more of a game-like situation. They learned how to operate in what we’re doing on both sides of the ball, play from the snap to the whistle, but how you have to operate in between as well, getting eyes in the right position, getting signals, communicating on both sides of the football, so where we finished the last scrimmage, we’ve continued to improve here in the next three practices. We get a little bit of work tomorrow, so hopefully our guys make a big jump from scrimmage one to scrimmage two.”
On what you’re trying to accomplish before first kickoff…
“We’ve got a ton of improvement to make. Everyone has to fight for the little differences, the little victories that ultimately build up to being successful on gameday. Everybody sees the big picture, but there are so many small, intricate details of 11 guys operating together on both sides of the football, offensively, defensively, and special teams, that you have to continue to fight for that. Our guys have had a great workman’s attitude. They’ve been extremely positive, and when the ball’s been laid on the ground, they’ve gone to work and competed and played really hard. If we continue to have that then we’ll continue to grow.”
On excitement for the start of the season…
“I think everyone’s excited to run out of that tunnel and go play week one at UConn and eventually week two when we get back home. There are so man things that we’re working on, that I’m working on to make sure that we’re prepared and ready to play, and operate efficiently, that you really just focus on the daily task.”
On Greg McCrae…
“He’s dependable. He’s the same guy every day he walks in the building. He loves football. He loves competing extremely hard. He’s elusive with the ball in his hands. He’s got a great understanding of how to deliver our front five guys and tight end to the second level players, and because of that he’s able to create some space.”
Senior Running Back Taj McGowan
On the number change…
“Tre’Quan was my roommate last year. I’m just trying to carry on the four thing. He looked pretty good in it, so I’m just trying to keep that thing rolling.”
On his role on the team…
“Obviously short yardage situations. Really they’re using all of us all around the field, so it’s not like we’re subjected to just one thing. Obviously that can change down the road, but especially on the goal line and short yardage, that’s definitely something we’ve talked about, as well as regular downs and everything else.”
PURCHASE 2018 TICKETS
Season tickets are going fast for the highly anticipated 2018 campaign. Fans can purchase theirs today and learn about all their options by calling (407) 823-1000 or visiting us online at https://ucfknights.co/18fbtix.