ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – UCF Football Preseason Camp is winding down. After the 14th practice of the month, the Knights are looking forward to playing against and game-planning for another team. Monday morning the team competed for two hours inside Nicholson Fieldhouse as they continue to prepare for the season opener, Aug. 30 at UConn.
FanFest – Saturday, Aug. 18
It’s every fan’s chance to meet and greet with the UCF Knights before the start of the 2018 season. The football team will be out in full force Saturday to sign autographs for fans in attendance at Spectrum Stadium from 6:30-8pm.
Man of Many Talents
In addition to playing the role of starting punter, having great hair and a magnificent beard, senior Mac Loudermilk also acts as the Knights’ holder on field goals. This week he was announced as a member of the Mortell Award Watch List for the best holder in the nation.
Knights in the News
- Orlando Sentinel: UCF defense turns to multiple players
- Black & Gold Banneret: How UCF Football’s January Glory Is Built by the August Grind
- The AAF: Storm Johnson Named to Orlando Team
RT when you see it pic.twitter.com/ts3oFHRzgh
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 17, 2018
Junior Quarterback McKenzie Milton
On what he’s doing better this preseason…
“I think I’m leading better. I think I’m playing from the pocket a little bit better. I think my footwork’s more defined. I think I’m more on cue with my wide receivers. I think it’s going to show come August 30.”
On how the defense has come along…
“Man, they’ve made big strides since spring ball. There was a little uncertainty with what they were doing in spring ball, but now we’ve been trading blows throughout camp, and they look really good. They’ve been getting a lot of turnovers. The DBs look really good. The D-Line’s been getting after the passer. I think they’re going to be one of the best in our conference.”
On wanting to play against another team…
“That’s what you always work towards, but at the same time you have to take it day-by-day. UConn’s not going to come tomorrow, not going to come the next day, it’s August 30, so we’ve still got things to take care of here. We’ll start game planning in a few days, so it’s going to be a lot of fun when that time comes.”
On his chemistry with the offensive line…
“Those guys have been doing an awesome job since I’ve been here. Last year we went through the first six games without having any sacks. I don’t think that happens if you don’t have a good relationship with your o-line and they don’t have a good relationship with their quarterback. Those guys don’t get enough credit. You’ve got guys like Adrian Killins busting up the middle, not getting touched, but there’s a reason they’re not getting touched. There’s a reason that I throw for the certain amount of yards that I do, and touchdowns. Those guys have been awesome. I give a lot of credit to Wyatt Miller. He’s a seasoned vet, great leader. Jordan Johnson, Tyler Hudanick, those guys have been special and they definitely have a big place in my heart.”
Senior Safety Kyle Gibson
On how the team has looked at practice…
“We look pretty good. We’ve been going back and forth with each other, like me and McKenzie have been having a little battle. The offensive and defensive linemen have been having their battles, and receivers and cornerbacks, so it’s all competition.”
On how the young guys have been coming along…
“They’ve been coming along pretty fast. Derek Gainous, that’s actually my roommate, and he was here this spring. I’m really surprised at Dyllon Lester, to be a freshman and to only be here a couple months, he’s progressing pretty fast.”
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 ucfknights.com/fbtix.