ORLANDO, Fla. — A year removed from the Knights’ historic Fiesta Bowl run, center Joey Grant was supposed to be a pillar of continuity for an offense in transition. While he was still able to admirably perform his role as the guiding light of the offensive line, injuries kept him to only eight starts in 2014; two of those at right guard.
This offseason was no different. In fact, his presence may be even more vital this year with only two seniors along the line and massive changeover throughout the entire team. Grant is fully aware of his position headed into his final season as a Knight, and has emphasized how missing time puts the game in perspective to a true competitor.
“I think any time a player gets a little banged up or they’re not able to play a game, they understand that football – it’s a privilege to play this game and every game you have to play every game like it can be taken away from you because you never know when it’s going to happen,” Grant said at Monday’s press conference.
He has come back with extra fuel added to the fire.
“I was more privy to that aspect of it than some players have been and yeah, I’ve played this camp and these practices with a little chip on my shoulder. Again I’m just trying to motivate these guys under me and this offensive line and this offense to play hard,” he later said.
With former offensive line coach Brent Key now running the show as offensive coordinator the line expects to be put on display.
“He approaches the game, I think, differently than Coach Taafe did. Obviously he was an offensive line coach and he was an offensive lineman himself, so he brings a lot of excitement to inside run or running periods. He’s really harped on physicality and toughness,” Grant explained.
A fully healthy Joey Grant can only bring good things for the UCF offense, and with extra motivation headed into his final home opener, expect to see a fierce battle along the offensive line on Thursday.
