ABOVE VIDEO:UCF head coach Scott Frost and players C.J. Jones and Jamiyus Pittman talk about the Knights’ first scrimmage of the spring. (Chip Fontanazza, UCF Knights Video)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (UCFKnights) – With the UCF offense installing a new system this year, it was no surprise that the defense won the first five practices of 2016 Spring Camp. On Friday, however, things changed.
The Knights held their first full scrimmage during practice No. 6 and the end zone was quite busy with the first, second and third team offenses successfully marching down the field throughout the day.
Nick PattiTre’Quan Smith
The scrimmage opened with a Justin McDonald interception, but a long touchdown from Nick Patti to Tre’Quan Smith set the stage for the rest of the session.
Pete DiNovo got into the act with a touchdown pass to Michael Colubiale who dragged one foot in bounds on his diving reception. After the Knights’ punt units did some work, Justin Holman delivered a 27-yard touchdown strike to Jordan Franks.
UCF’s D fired back with a stop and an interception from Nevelle Clarke before Matthew Wright connected on a 46-yard field goal.
The defensive line looked strong on the next drive, only to witness Garrett Kruzcek heave a 50-yard touchdown strike to Josh Maisel.
Taj McGowan and Patti both reached the end zone moments later, while the next drive stalled and Wright converted a 50-yard field goal.
The two-minute drill was up next and the defense started showing some muscle with a Jamiyus Pittman sack, a forced fumble by Drico Johnson and Shaquem Griffin as well as a Tre Neal interception.
The offense completed the day with a TD pass from Patti to Dontravious Wilson, while Tyler Harris led a drive that finished with a C.J. Jones rushing touchdown.
Scott Frost
“Today’s going to give guys confidence in what we’re doing, and confidence in what they’re doing on the field. I really started to see guys believing in the philosophy that we have,” head coach Scott Frost said.
“We’re a different team than we were from practice one.
“I think the key for our team right now is we are six practices in, we have nine left, a lot of teams would probably put it on cruise control right now and just try to survive the rest of the spring. We are not going to have that luxury if we want to get where we want to get to. We have to keep our foot on the accelerator and keep ascending from here.”
Week three of Spring Camp will get underway on Monday.
2016 #UCFastival: Register for free tickets or purchase VIP passes for UCF’s annual Spring Game Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m. by visiting http://ucfastival.com. The #UCFastival features a memorable schedule of activities and events. For more information, click on ucfknights.co/UCFastival.
2016 UCF Football Season Tickets: Purchase or renew season tickets for the 2016 UCF football campaign now. Call 407-UCF-1000 or visit UCFKnights.co/16SeasonTix to put in your deposits for head coach Scott Frost’s first season with the Knights.
The Knights held their first full scrimmage during practice No. 6 and the end zone was quite busy with the first, second and third team offenses successfully marching down the field throughout the day. (Brad Helton, UCF Image)
