2007 UCF Knights football preview

UCF Knights

2006 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: George O’Leary (12-24 at UCF, 64-57 overall)

Starters Returning: 18 (8 offense, 9 defense, 1 specialist)

Offensive Starters Lost: QB Steven Moffett, WR Mike Walker, OL Cedric Gagne-Marcoux

Offensive Starters Returning: RB Kevin Smith, WR Rocky Ross, TE Mike Merritt, TE Corey Rabazinski, OL L.J. Anderson, OL Patrick Brown, OL Josh Sitton, OL Kyle Smith

Defensive Starters Lost: DE Chris Welsh, LB Randy Dozier

Defensive Starters Returning: DT Leger Douzable, DT Keith Shologan, DE Emeka Okammor, LB Corey Hogue, LB Jordan Richards, CB Joe Burnett, CB Johnell Neal, S Sha’reff Rashad, S Jason Venson

Starting Specialists Lost: P Aaron Horne

Starting Specialists Returning: K Michael Torres

Ranking 106th in total defense last year, it is not like it is really possible to be worse, but returning nine starters on the defensive side of the ball should make that improvement a dramatic one. With an influx of talent, those nine starters will not be handed the starting job and the depth on that side of the ball looks good. Yet, this is still the defense that gave up over 398 yards per game.

2007 UCF Offense:

The loss of quarterback Steven Moffett is not a big deal, but the loss of wide receiver Mike Walker is huge. Kyle Israel replaced Moffett when he was ineffective, starting four of the last six games of the season, and developed into a decent signal caller. With the job his, Israel is ready to lead the team during his senior campaign. If the 6-2, 223 pound Orlando product runs into any problems, the depth behind him is nearly non-existent. Walker caught 90 passes for nearly 100 yards a game last year and that production will be tough to replace. Rocky Ross and Javid James were second and third on the team with 36 and 24 receptions respectively and will be looked upon to help replace Walker. Redshirt Freshman Jevaughn Reams had a solid spring and will be a decent third option.

Tailback Kevin Smith rushed for 934 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games before suffering a shoulder injury. His 2,112 yards as a freshman and sophomore are the most in UCF history through two seasons and the 6-1, 211 pound Miami native will look to add a few more school records to his resume before his career is over. As long as Smith regains his form following the injury, the running game will be very good behind an experienced line.

2007 UCF Defense:

Heading into 2006, the UCF secondary was touted as a promising group of youngsters coming off a good season. Then 2006 happened and it was not pretty. This year the group has to become savvy veterans instead of inconsistent youth. Safeties Jason Venson and Sha’reff Rashad and corners Joe Burnett and Johnell Neal all have the talent to be a dominating secondary, but they have to get it done on the field.

Linebackers Jordan Richards and Cory Hogue battled with injuries in 2006, but proved to be effective starters. Steven Baker was bitten by the injury bug as well and missed nearly half of the season with a knee injury. If he is healthy, Baker will man the middle linebacker position. Leger Douzable moved between the tackle and end spots last year, but after starting the last four games on the end, he will likely remain there. His seven sacks led the team and Antonio Wallace and Jared Kirksey on the other side will need to provide a consistent rush to keep the opposition from keying in on Douzable.

The Bottom Line for the Knights of Central Florida:

A bowl game may be asking a little too much with the difficult schedule that awaits, but there will be some excitement in the Knights new stadium. The offense will be fine as long as they can get into the end zone. Ranking third in the conference in total offense and tenth in scoring offense is not going to cut it again. A few less field goals and a few more touchdowns at opportune times would have turned the Knights from 4-8 to 6-6 in 2006 and finishing drives may be enough to turn it around in 2007.