Spring Practice Report - 03/31/09

After a long weekend, the energized and well rested Knights got back to practicing this morning. The practice was surprisingly held outdoors, even though it looked as if it was going to rain. The energy was high, the hits were hard, and the players practiced passionately.

Both sides of the ball looked quite impressive today despite just a few mistakes. The defensive front seven was very aggressive all day. However, a couple of blown coverage assignments for the secondary took place. It looks as if the young secondary is adjusting and still getting past the learning curve.

The offense was hampered by a few false start penalties and some underthrown passes by the backup QBs. Despite these mistakes, O’Leary sees progress.

“I’ve been pleased,” the Knights head coach said. “I think that they have taken the installation and studied it. You know, obviously it’s not the picture you want right away but they are working to get to the picture you want.”

Rob Calabrese continued to show excellent progression throughout practice, and is looking more and more like the clear-cut starting QB for UCF. Head coach George O’Leary likes what he sees in him as well.

“Rob is continuously making plays, he’s productive. He knows his mistakes. You know, I’ve been pleased with him.”

Brynn Harvey also had a great day at practice. Along with Calabrese, Coach O’Leary thinks that Harvey has made the most progress so far in the offseason.

“I think Brynn Harvey has really improved. There is no question (about it). I think from last year, the two biggest improvements are Calabrese and Harvey.”

There is certain improvement on the offensive side of the ball over what we saw last year. Overall, the defensive front seven looked nothing short of fantastic, but the new, inexperienced secondary is still adjusting.

UCF also had a couple of visitors today at practice, as Quincy McDuffie, Henry Wright, D.J. Brown, and A.J. Tarpley were all in attendance. All prospects looked as if they were enjoying their visit.

The Knights will practice again tomorrow morning at 9:10 a.m. which is open to the public.