UCF was back in full pads for Monday’s practice after taking Sunday off.
Head coach George O’Leary said that he is looking at finalizing his two-deep depth chart by Friday, so the next couple of days will be big from an evaluation standpoint, thus prompting his decision to have players go full contact.
“That’s why I’m going a lot more team,” O’Leary said. “I want to see them in that action, see who can separate themselves.”
Two players already appear to be working their way up the depth chart.
Junior DT Jose Jose and freshman LB Willie Mitchell each worked with the starters on Monday after practicing with the second string for all of preseason camp.
“He got his weight down to 327 [pounds] and he’s really done a heck of a job as far as doing some things there,” O’Leary said of Jose. “And he’s moving much better. So I’m always going to reward production on tape… I thought Willie Mitchell improved.”
Freshman DT Thomas Niles and senior LB Ray Shipman moved back with the second-team defense.
Below are some other notes from Monday’s practice:
–Goins expected back this week – Starting LG Theo Goins has missed roughly a week with an apparent knee injury. O’Leary said that he should be back either Wednesday or Thursday.
“I’m not in a rush to get him back because it gives me a chance to look at those younger guys, see if they can help us out and get them more reps,” O’Leary said.
–Bouye doing fine – Senior CB A.J. Bouye seemed to be back at 100 percent after coming up limp during Saturday’s practice. Bouye had two interceptions on starting QB Blake Bortles Monday, one which he returned for a 35-yard touchdown in a segmented scrimmage.
The defense, overall, seemed to hold an advantage over the offense, which is typical at this point in the season. The Knights appear to be comfortable rotating defensive linemen and linebackers in and out depending on different situations, giving the team flexibility up front.
–Other depth chart moves – Sophomore TE Justin Tukes was ahead of senior Chris Martin at the starting TE spot… Sophomore Sean Galvin looks to have the edge on sophomore Shawn Moffitt as the team’s starting KOS… Senior RT Phil Smith continues to get the starting nod with Goins out, although freshman OG Tarik Cook played with the starters shortly, with Justin McCray going to RT.
–Freshmen staying strong on D – O’Leary again brought up freshman CB Jacoby Glenn for his solid work this preseason. It appears that Glenn has solidified a spot in UCF’s DB rotation and could see some time in the nickel defense…Freshman LB Mark Rucker also continues to get work with the second and third team defense.
“For a freshman, he’s a pretty headsy guy out there as far as assignments,” O’Leary said of Rucker. “Right now, I think we’ll shape it up by Friday, the two-deep with the linebackers.”
